ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Howard County Executive Calvin Ball signed into law key zoning regulation amendment (ZRA) today, designed to advance local agribusiness and agritourism opportunities. Co-sponsored by District 5 Councilmember David Yungmann, CB74-2025, ZRA-217 was approved by the Howard County Council in a 4 to 1 vote on Monday, December 1, 2025. These regulatory updates advance Howard County’s long-term vision for supporting its agricultural heritage while giving farmers real tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Ball was joined by Yungmann and supporters to celebrate the approval of this pivotal legislation.
The passage of these new regulations demonstrates what it looks like when we plan boldly and act with purpose. We are furthering the goals of the County’s General Plan, HoCo By Design, by empowering farmers, growing our economy, and expanding opportunities for everyone to experience the best that our local agricultural community has to offer.
These zoning revisions reduce long-standing inconsistencies, add clearer definitions, and introduce new opportunities for agritourism, one of the most promising avenues for farm-based innovation. The modernized standards allow for expanded agritourism events, small-scale agritourism, additional uses for farm alcohol producers, rural venue space for events, incidental outdoor stays, and farm-based bed-and-breakfasts directly tied to agricultural activity. Together, these changes protect rural character while giving residents and visitors more ways to experience our farmland.
Agritourism is critical for the survival of our agriculture industry. Bringing these new agriculture-based opportunities, which are already growing throughout the state, here to Howard County will allow the next generation to prosper. I appreciate the efforts of so many leaders from the agriculture community and within county government over the past five years to remove barriers and expand opportunities for our agriculture industry and farming families.
In 2024, Howard County established a stand-alone agency responsible for promoting and assisting its farmers. The County’s Office of Agriculture is just the third of its kind in the state of Maryland, responsible for bringing together disparate resources and agencies together under one roof.
“Providing additional revenue is not the only, or most important benefit of the implementation of this ZRA,” explained James Zoller, Office of Agriculture Administrator. “New and expanded agribusiness uses such as incidental outdoor stays and agritourism bring people onto farms, helping the public better understand, appreciate, and support agriculture in Howard County; and strengthening the bonds between farmers and residents.”
With over 300 farms, agriculture represents a meaningful and historic segment of Howard County’s economy. In order to protect farmland from the pressures of housing development, under Ball’s leadership, the County reopened the Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP) and has preserved more than 448 acres of farmland forever under the program.
“Expanding the zoning framework helps our agricultural sector remain strong and adaptable in Howard County,” Lynda Eisenberg, Director of the Department of Planning and Zoning stated. “We are clearing barriers, expanding options, and shaping a future where farms continue to define our community.”
Jennifer Jones, CEO of Howard County Economic Development Authority, reflected on the positive impact of the legislation to economic growth for farmers, “Agritourism is a strategic addition to traditional farming. It helps farmers diversify and stay competitive while still doing what they do best - growing the fresh fruits, vegetables, and products our community relies on. I'm excited that we are giving our farms the flexibility and tools they need to thrive and strengthen our economy.”
The ZRA represents the culmination of years of advocacy and collaboration between the Howard County Farm Bureau, individual farmers, Councilmember Yungmann, the Ball Administration and Howard County Economic Development Authority.
“CB74-2025, ZRA-217 was a long time coming. It’s the perfect example of codifying common sense,” said Tim Feaga, 10th generation Howard County farmer. “Howard County’s vast investment in agriculture must be supported by real life business opportunities that allow our farms to compete statewide. This legislation is the first step to guaranteeing a viable economic future for many of our farmers.”
“This legislation will help our farmers survive by opening up their farms to new revenue streams, enabling younger generations to participate on the farm, and by allowing others in the county the opportunity to enjoy these farms,” said Cathy Hudson, Chair, Howard County Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board.
“This bill has been a long time coming, finally unlocking opportunities that will help strengthen and sustain our farmers,” farm owner Barbara Sullivan emphasized.
For more information on the updated legislation for agricultural land uses in Howard County, please visit the Howard County Council’s website: CB74-2025.