Section 12-508 - Exemption for agricultural buildings used for agritourism.
§ 12-508. Exemption for agricultural buildings used for agritourism.
(a) "Agricultural building" defined.-
(1) In this section, "agricultural building" means a structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or other horticultural products.
(2) "Agricultural building" does not include a place of human residence.
(b) Scope.- This section applies only to Calvert County, Charles County, Dorchester County, Frederick County, Harford County, Prince George's County, St. Mary's County, Somerset County, and Talbot County.
(c) Exception where use is subordinate.- The Standards do not apply to the construction, alteration, or modification of an agricultural building for which agritourism is an intended subordinate use.
(d) In general.- An existing agricultural building used for agritourism is not considered a change of occupancy that requires a building permit if the subordinate use of agritourism:
(1) is in accordance with limitations set forth in regulations adopted by the Department;
(2) occupies only levels of the building on which a ground level exit is located; and
(3) does not require more than 50 people to occupy an individual building at any one time.
(e) Requirements.- An agricultural building used for agritourism:
(1) shall be structurally sound and in good repair; but
(2) need not comply with:
(i) requirements for bathrooms, sprinkler systems, and elevators set forth in the Standards; or
(ii) any other requirements of the Standards or other building codes as set forth in regulations adopted by the Department.
(f) Regulations.- The Department shall adopt regulations to implement this section.
[2006, ch. 135.]