Agritourism and the arts are coming together.
A zoning amendment that creates an Agritourism and Arts Overlay District (AAOD) has received the approval of the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS), according to a release from the Planning Office.
“I am excited to see Prince William County introduce this innovative approach to have businesses that you typically would not see together, sharing spaces. Prince William County’s business, economic development and tourism industries will all benefit from this enterprise,” County Executive Chris Martino said in a release.
Through this initiative, businesses that focus on agritourism and art would be able to be set up in the same building. It would enable rural areas in Prince William County to keep their character, as well.
Galleries, culinary classes, petting farms and nature trails are some examples of activities and facilities that may be established in the AAOD.
Deputy County Executive Rebecca Horner recalled participating in ceramics classes in a rural area growing up. She added that her daughters have taken painting classes in a space that was similar.
“Allowing for spaces where people can start an arts-related business in their home and grow that business until they are successful enough to need a permanent space in a commercial center is a great way to incubate new business, grow the commercial tax base, and stimulate the ingenuity and creativity of our community,” Horner said in a release.
