Agri-Tourism Events and Activities
What is "Agri-Tourism"?
Rural farm-zoned property owners (Exclusive Farm Use, Special Agriculture, and Farm/Timber) are allowed to hold, by permit, a certain number of events each year for profit. The agri-tourism events and activities must be related to and support agriculture.
What are "event" regulations for other zones in Marion County?
Citizens can hold “personal” events on their property, regardless of the zone, including family weddings, reunions, celebratory parties, etc. Property owners can hold non-personal events on their property provided they are not charging or collecting a fee or compensated in any way. For example, a property owner can allow a friend to have a wedding or family reunion on their property if they do not charge or collect a fee. When a property owner collects a fee or compensation for allowing an event on his/her property, it is considered a business. This includes only being compensated for expenses the property owner incurred from the event.
What kind of permit is required for agri-tourism events?
There are three types of agri-tourism permits processed under Marion County Code,
Chapter 17.120, Specific Conditional Uses. In summary:
“One Event Conditional Use” Permit: valid for one event each calendar year for a maximum of 72 consecutive hours, allows up to 500 attendees, and 250 vehicles parked onsite.
“Up to Six Events Limited Conditional Use” Permit: six events each calendar year held for a maximum of 72 consecutive hours per event. It is valid for two years and may be renewed.
“Up to 18 Events Conditional Use” Permit: up to 18 events each calendar year on a minimum lot size of 80 acres. Events must be incidental and subordinate to existing commercial farm use of the parcel and necessary to support commercial farm uses or in the area. It is valid for four years and may be renewed.
How do I obtain an agri-tourism permit?
Marion County Planning Division issues the Conditional Use Agri-Tourism Permits. You can download a Conditional Use Application or obtain one from our office. This form requests general contact information, location and size of the property, a statement summarizing the request, etc. Also complete an "Agri Tourism Supplemental" form. This form requests information specific to the proposed event(s) and how it relates to farming on the property and/or in the area.
What happens after I submit the application?
Once a complete application is received, the Planning Division will request comments from other departments and affected agencies. Staff will then review the application for compliance with various land use regulations. In approximately 30 days a decision will be issued approving, conditionally approving, or denying the request. A copy is sent to the applicant and property owners within 1500 feet of the subject property. Please note there is a 15-day appeal period. The appeal process and conditions, if approved, are explained in the Notice of Decision.
What is the difference between agri-tourism and mass gathering events?
The County’s Outdoor Mass Gathering Permit is required for events with over 750 attendees and allowed in any zone subject to certain standards and regulations. The agri-tourism events are only for property in a resource zone currently in farm use.
What type of restrictions will be placed on these agri-tourism events?
The specific regulations covering Conditional Use Agri-Tourism permits are listed in Marion County Code 17.120.090. In addition to the limitations on number of events, hours, vehicles, and attendees noted above, the following criteria and standards may apply:
must be incidental and subordinate to the existing farm use on the tract;
must occur outdoors, in temporary structures, or existing permitted structures;
shall cause no alteration to land including, but not limited to, grading, filling or paving;
shall not materially alter the stability of the land use pattern of the area;
- for the "up to 18 events" Conditional Use the parcel shall comply with the minimum lot size of that zone.
How much do these permits cost?
How do you interpret "...must be incidental and subordinate to existing farm use..."?
Generally speaking, holding events on the parcel should be secondary to the farm use of the parcel. In addition, the property must be receiving farm deferral through the Assessor’s Office.
Need more information?
The Planning Division is here to help you through the process, deal with these regulations and find solutions or alternatives, when necessary. Contact us at (503) 588-5038 or email
planning@co.marion.or.us.
