The Virginia General Assembly passed a series of laws in the early aughts that eliminated the ability of localities to prohibit or otherwise ban farms, wineries, and other agricultural operations from holding events such as weddings in order to allow them to make more money through agritourism.
However, localities have the authority to require approval if more intense uses are to occur beyond those “usual and customary” to farming. In Albemarle County, an agricultural landowner needs a special use permit to hold weddings, receptions, or otherwise rent out space for private events. Another permit is needed if a farm wants to hold events with more than 200 people, and one more if it will exceed more than 24 such events each year.
The owners of a nearly 10.5-acre property at the intersection of Garth and Free Union roads have applied for a special use permit for two dozen events a year at The Barns, a “regenerative” farm that seeks to grow produce, flowers, and medicinal herbs while raising chickens. Longhorn cattle grazed on the property until recently…