Code Amendment Could Allow Sale Of Non-Agricultural Goods

The Spokane County Planning Commission may amend the zoning code to allow products that aren’t farm-grown - like hot dogs and crafts - to be sold along with produce during harvest season festivities.

Stacy Bjordahl, senior planner for the county, said the amendment comes in response to problems in Green Bluff, but is aimed at all agricultural parts of the county.

Green Bluff’s fall apple festival has blossomed from a simple produce market to an all-out party. U-pick stands open in summer with a range of fruits and vegetables and continue until the last Halloween pumpkin is gone.

Farmers have opened cafes, built mazes, offered train and helicopter rides, held classes and sold crafts and antiques. They’ve also offered food for sale, ranging from traditional apple pie and caramel apples to corndogs and ice cream.

There’s nothing in the code now about seasonal harvest festivities, and what is or isn’t allowed during festivals.

“It has been going on, but it isn’t addressed in the zoning code,” said Bjordahl. “When they try to get food permits, the health district wants to make sure they have the proper zoning, but it isn’t in the code.”

The health district will no longer issue food permits unless the division of building and planning approves.

The amendment, if adopted, would ensure that the sale of nonagricultural products doesn’t occur year-round.

And only residents who produce and sell agricultural products will be allowed to also sell non-agricultural products.

Bjordahl said it prevents independent sales operation from starting up in the rural area.

Under the amendment, a temporary use permit will be issued by the building and planning department. No sales will be allowed outside of the time specified in the permit.

A public hearing is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. today in the Public Works Building, on the lower level.

, DataTimes