Agritourism zoning ordinance approved to permit festivals, markets and farm-to-fork uses on five-acre parcels

The Board of Commissioners approved an agritourism zoning amendment Sept. 11 that creates definitions and standards to allow agritourism activities in the A1 agricultural district. Planner Laura Oberholtzer said staff consulted with Allen County extension offices, the Farm Bureau and the Indiana Department of Agriculture to shape rules for events such as one-time concerts, temporary farmers markets, nature preserves, retail sales and farm-to-table restaurants on agricultural parcels of at least five acres. The board approved ZORD-2026-0002 by unanimous vote.

The ordinance establishes minimum acreage (five acres), clarifies that events must occur on agricultural property alongside a permitted use and sets standards for temporary events to help balance farm operations with public access and safety.