Planning & Zoning Commission (linked)

Existing Regulation 
 
3.41  AGRI-TOURISM (Effective Date 1/29/18) 
Purpose: 
The purpose of this regulation is to allow Agri-tourism uses in Waterford, while 
maintaining rural character, preserving farmland, and protecting the health, safety 
and welfare of the citizens. Agri-tourism presents a unique opportunity to 
combine aspects of tourism and agriculture to provide a number of financial, 
educational and social benefits to the community while allowing farmers to 
supplement their farming activities with activities and events directly related to 
the farm and farming. Activities are multi-day seasonal uses which include, but 
are not limited to u-pick operations, hay rides, corn mazes, petting zoo, cut you 
own Christmas trees,  farmer’s markets, wine tasting, horseback riding, carriage 
rides, sleigh rides, ice cream facilities, and garden tours. Events are single day 
uses with a defined start and end time.   Agri-tourism activities and events may be 
permitted only in the RU-120 Zone District.  
3.41.1.  
At a minimum, agri-tourism activities shall be permitted in 
accordance with the provisions contained herein, subject to the issuance of 
a Special Permit in conformance with Section 23 of these Regulations.  
3.41.2  General Provisions Applicable to Agri-tourism. 
a. The parcel(s) on which agri-tourism is proposed shall be contiguous 
and shall consist of no less than 20 acres, of which at least 51% of the 
gross area of the parcel(s) meets the definition of Farm in Section 1 of 
these regulations and is designated as farmland by the Waterford Town 
Assessor pursuant to CGS Chapter 203§12-107(c), as amended.  
b. Agri-tourism activities and events shall be limited to the areas as 
shown on an approved Site Plan, including outdoor and indoor areas of 
the farm property. 
c.  All parking and areas associated with activities and events shall be no 
closer than 150 feet from all property lines.  
d. All activities and events shall occur between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. 
e.  Outdoor lighting shall not shed light beyond the boundaries of the 
subject property.  
f. No more than one (1) Agri-Tourism event shall take place 
simultaneously, no more than two events shall take place in any week 
running from Monday to Sunday, and no more than one event shall 
take place on any weekend running from Friday through Sunday.  No 
more than 20 total Agri-tourism events may be permitted in a calendar 
year. The Commission may impose conditions to further limit the 
number and time of activities and events to mitigate adverse impacts to 
neighboring properties.  

g. The property owner shall reside on the property and be on the property 
during any Agri-tourism activity or event. 
h. All Agri-tourism activities and events shall comply with all local, state 
and federal regulations and statutes. Approval of plans by other State, 
Federal and Local regulatory agencies shall be obtained when 
applicable. 
i. Complete visual screening, as defined in Section 1 of these 
regulations, shall be provided during all times of operation.   
j. All amplified music or sound shall occur within structures and shall 
comply with all Town of Waterford noise ordinances. 
k. Exterior speakers or amplification of music or sound is prohibited.  
l. Overnight lodging is prohibited. 
m. Off-street parking shall comply with the following provisions of 
Section 20 of the Waterford Zoning Regulations: 
i.  Section 20.2 
ii. Section 20.16 
iii. Section 20.3(h) 
iv. Section 20.5  
v, Section 20.6  
n  A Zoning Compliance Permit shall be required for any activity or 
event to ensure compliance with the Special Permit. Applications for 
Zoning Compliance shall be made at least 30 days prior to the event.  
 
3.41.3  Submission requirements: 
In addition to the requirements of Section 22 & 23, the Special Permit 
Application shall also include, at a minimum, the following information: 
a. A statement describing the availability of adequate public utilities or 
on-site water and septic capabilities.  
b. A sworn, notarized statement by the property owner acknowledging 
requirements to comply with all applicable public health, fire, and 
building codes. 
c. A copy of the deed for the subject parcel.