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NEWS RELEASE

May 13, 2010

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Howard County Executive Ken Ulman Announces Plans to Submit New Winery-Friendly Legislation

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – County Executive Ken Ulman today announced his plan to submit an amendment to current zoning regulations that would make it easier for property owners to grow grapes and open wineries in Howard County. The announcement was made at Tin Lizzie Wineworks, a local make-your-own wine facility, just two days before the opening of Howard County’s 18th annual “Wine in the Woods” Festival which takes place this weekend, May 15 and 16, in Columbia’s Symphony Woods.

“Again this year, we’ll have over 30 Maryland wineries represented at our own wine festival, yet none will be from Howard County. Many other Maryland counties have flourishing winery operations, but Howard County has none. When we looked at our current regulations, we discovered that our zoning is much more restrictive regarding wineries than anywhere else in the State. It’s time for a change, and today I’m happy to announce plans to make Howard County more winery-friendly,” said County Executive Ulman.

The proposed new regulations would allow for two classes of wineries that operate at different scales and with different levels of restrictions to ensure compatibility with the rural character of western Howard County. Class 1 wineries would be allowed as an “accessory use” on a farm of at least 10 acres; this would allow for on-site wine making, tasting and sales, as well as winery tours and educational programs for individuals and small groups. The number of visitors would depend on the size of the farm. Class 1 wineries may also be permitted as a “conditional use” by the Hearing Examiner for smaller farms in the Rural Conservation (RC) zoning district with certain additional restrictions.

Class 2 wineries on farms of at least 25 acres may be permitted as a “conditional use” by the Hearing Examiner. A Class 2 winery could also be allowed to have a limited number of special events each year for a larger number of visitors, depending on the size of the farm.

"We are thrilled by the effort the county has made to revise their regulations to allow wineries. Soon we can bring our industry of agriculture, tourism and land preservation to Howard County," said Kevin Atticks, Executive Director of the Maryland Wineries Association.