Charles County Agricultural Resource Center

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Charles County, Maryland has a long-standing agricultural tradition that proudly represents and continues to shape the County’s identity, economy, and landscape. From family-owned farms and equestrian operations to forestry lands, aquaculture, and emerging agritourism businesses, agriculture remains a cornerstone of the County’s rural character and natural resource stewardship.

The Charles County Agricultural Resource Center serves as a centralized, easy-to-navigate community forum designed to connect farmers, landowners, agribusiness operators, and residents with the tools, programs, and regulatory guidance they need. Whether you are starting a new agricultural venture, expanding an existing operation, or simply seeking to better understand local agricultural practices, this resource center brings together County, State, and partner agency information in one accessible location.

Resources are organized into clear topic areas and delivered in multiple formats, including videos, downloadable guides, infographics, and quick-reference tools, to make complex information easier to understand and apply in real-world agricultural settings across Charles County.

Explore Agricultural Topics

Agritourism

Agritourism in Charles County refers to visitor-based activities that occur on working farms, such as corn mazes, farm tours, pick-your-own operations, hayrides, and seasonal events. These uses are typically considered accessory to active agricultural operations and may require zoning approval depending on intensity, traffic, parking, and event frequency. Additional permits may be required if the activity includes structures, amplified sound, or large public attendance.

Special Events

Special events on agricultural property include festivals, private gatherings, markets, or ticketed events held on farms. In Charles County, these events are generally reviewed for zoning compliance, parking capacity, public safety, and access requirements. Depending on size and frequency, a temporary use permit or additional approvals may be required, especially for recurring or large-scale events.

On-Farm Sales / Farm Stands / Wayside Stands

Agricultural Building Permits (barns, accessory structures, high tunnels, greenhouses, etc.)

Agricultural structures such as barns, equipment sheds, silos, high tunnels, and greenhouses may require building permits depending on size, use, and construction type. In Charles County, these structures must comply with zoning setback requirements, building codes, and use classification standards. Even on agricultural land, certain structures may require review to confirm they are clearly tied to an approved farming operation.

Farmers Market Permits

Open-Air Produce Stands

Livestock Regulations (animals permitted by lot size, slaughter and poultry processing requirements)

Livestock regulations in Charles County govern the types and number of animals allowed on agricultural parcels, based on zoning district, lot size, and land use compatibility. Activities such as slaughtering, poultry processing, or large-scale animal operations may require additional environmental, zoning, or health approvals to ensure compliance with noise, odor, waste management, and public health standards.

Farm Signage

Farm Machinery

Poultry and slaughterhouses

Poultry operations and slaughterhouses are considered more intensive agricultural uses and are subject to additional regulatory review in Charles County. These facilities may require zoning approval, health department review, and environmental permitting depending on scale. Key considerations include waste management, water quality protection, odor control, and buffering from neighboring properties.

How to determine your zoning (GIS map)

Property zoning in Charles County can be determined using the County’s GIS mapping system, which allows users to search parcels by address or tax map number. The zoning designation will identify what agricultural uses are permitted, whether additional approvals are needed, and any special overlays or restrictions that may apply. Users should verify zoning before beginning new agricultural operations, construction, or agritourism activities.

Zoning & Land Use

Agricultural land use in Charles County is regulated through the County Zoning Ordinance to preserve farmland, support viable agricultural operations, and manage rural development. Compliance with applicable zoning requirements is required to ensure appropriate land use and long-term protection of agricultural resources.

This section provides general guidance and directs users to applicable County resources for determining zoning requirements and permitted uses.

Use the descriptions below to identify your situation, then refer to the listed resources to confirm zoning requirements and permitted uses.

Agricultural operations and farm business activities

If you are starting or operating a farm business, including on-farm sales or farm stands:

Use these resources to determine requirements:

Interactive GIS Mapping Tool (to confirm zoning classification)
Charles County Zoning Ordinance (to confirm permitted uses)
Agricultural Zoning Quick Reference Guide (for summarized standards)

Agritourism and public access activities

If you are hosting events, tours, seasonal activities, or other public uses on agricultural land:

Use these resources to determine requirements:

Charles County Zoning Ordinance (to confirm allowed agritourism uses)
Farm Stand and On-Farm Business Requirements Overview (for use-specific standards)
Interactive GIS Mapping Tool (to confirm property zoning)
Video: Agriculture, Agritourism, and Agricultural Uses Explained (for general context)

Agricultural structures and improvements

If you are constructing or modifying barns, greenhouses, or other agricultural structures:

Use these resources to determine requirements:

Interactive GIS Mapping Tool (to confirm zoning classification)
Agricultural Zoning Quick Reference Guide (for development standards)
Charles County Zoning Ordinance (for detailed requirements)

Agricultural production and livestock

If you are engaging in crop production, livestock, poultry, or other farming activities:

Use these resources to determine requirements:

Charles County Zoning Ordinance (to confirm permitted agricultural uses)
Agricultural Zoning FAQs (for common questions)
Interactive GIS Mapping Tool (to confirm zoning classification)

Still not sure what applies to your property?

If you are still unsure how your property is zoned or what uses are permitted, contact us via telephone at 301-645-0681 or schedule an appointment to meet with one of our planners.

Additional Reference Material(s)

Cracking the Code | Permits and Zoning

Important Notice

Zoning requirements represent only one component of the regulatory review process. Additional permits, approvals, or agency requirements may apply depending on the nature of the proposed activity.

Zoning and Land Use

Agricultural land use in Charles County is guided by zoning regulations that help preserve farmland, support agricultural operations, and balance development pressures across rural areas of the County. Understanding zoning classifications, permitted uses, and development requirements are essential for maintaining compliance and protecting the long-term viability of agricultural lands.

This section provides resources to help landowners, farmers, and developers understand how agricultural zoning applies in Charles County, including what activities are permitted, what requires special approval, and how agricultural lands are protected under County code.

Need to know info ( I will rework this):

Insert terms and definitions here

Videos

Defining agriculture, agritourism and understanding agricultural uses... (When in doubt, reach out)
Permits and Zoning: Cracking the Code | Permits and Zoning

Graphics (Flyers & Infographics)

Agricultural Zoning Quick Reference Guide
Farm Stand and On-Farm Business Requirements Overview

Quick Links

NOTE: Zoning is only one aspect of the development process. Please contact us for additional requirements.

Permitting and Public Events

Agricultural operations in Charles County often include seasonal activities, farm-based events, agritourism and ecotourism experiences, and temporary uses that support farm diversification and economic sustainability. These activities may require specific permits or approvals depending on the nature, scale, and location of the event.

This section helps farm owners and event organizers understand permitting requirements, safety standards, and best practices for hosting compliant and successful agricultural events in Charles County.

Videos

How to sell agriculture and seafood products off my property
Special/Public Event Permitting Explained
Hosting a Public Event: We’re Glad you Asked

Graphics (Flyers & Infographics)

Special Events Permit Step-by-Step Guide
What Events Requires a Permit
Agritourism/Ecotourism vs. Special/Public Events: What’s the Difference?
On farm and seafood sales permit overview

Quick Links

Charles County Permitting (CSS) Portal

Agritourism and Ecotourism

Agritourism and Ecotourism in Charles County continues to grow as farms diversify their operations and create new opportunities for public engagement, education, and rural economic development. Activities such as pick-your-own operations, farm tours, farm stays, seasonal festivals, and educational experiences help connect the public with agriculture while supporting farm sustainability.

This section provides guidance on how agritourism and ecotourism are defined, regulated, and supported in Charles County, as well as examples of successful operations within the region.

Videos

Agritourism in Charles County: What It Is, How to Start and Agritourism Operation, and Agritourism Benefits (Cracking the Code)

Graphics (Flyers & Infographics)

Agritourism Guidelines
Getting Started with Agritourism (Checklist)

Quick Links

Tourism and Economic Development Resources:

Supporting Agribusiness in Charles County | Charles County Economic Development
Farming and Agriculture | Charles County Tourism

Agricultural Advisory Board

The Charles County Agricultural Advisory Board plays an important role in representing the agricultural community by advising County leadership on issues affecting farmland preservation, agricultural policy, land use, and resource management. The Board serves as a direct connection between farmers, landowners, and local government decision-making.

This section highlights the Board’s role in shaping agricultural priorities and supporting the long-term sustainability of farming in Charles County.

Videos

How the Agricultural Advisory Board Supports Charles County Agriculture
Agricultural Policy and Priorities in Charles County

Graphics (Flyers & Infographics)

How to Get Involved in Agricultural Decision-Making

Quick Links

Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board Page

Land Preservation

Charles County is committed to preserving its agricultural heritage and rural landscapes through active farmland preservation programs. These efforts help ensure that productive farmland remains available for future generations while supporting environmental conservation, local food systems, and rural economic stability.

This section provides information on preservation programs, conservation easements, and County initiatives designed to protect agricultural land from development pressure.

Videos

Land Preservation Unpacked (Charles County Program Overview)

Graphics (Flyers & Infographics)

Land Preservation Program Overview

Quick Links

Forestry and Fisheries

Charles County’s agricultural landscape includes significant forested land, waterways, and aquatic resources that contribute to environmental health, biodiversity, and economic activity. Sustainable forestry and fisheries practices are essential to maintaining these natural systems for future generations.

This section provides resources for landowners, foresters, and fisheries operators focused on stewardship, conservation, and regulatory compliance.

Forestry Resources

Videos

Forest Stewardship Basics for Charles County Landowners
Invasive Species Management

Graphics (Flyers & Infographics)

Forest Stewardship Best Practices Guide
Invasive Species Identification Guide
Reforestation and Conservation Practices Overview

Quick Links

Fisheries & Aquaculture Resources

Videos

Protecting Local Waterways and Fisheries in Charles County: Water Quality and Habitat Restoration Efforts (Cracking the Code or CC Unpacked Episode)

Graphics (Flyers & Infographics)

Fisheries Resource Overview
Aquaculture Basics Guide
Water Quality Protection Practices

Quick Links

Agricultural Nuisance

Agricultural & Seafood Business Development and Support:

If you need support with your agricultural or seafood business, please contact Economic Development Agriculture and Rural Development Manager contact us. For agriculture and seafood resources related to business development, marketing, technical seafood and more visit here.

Agriculture, Local Food & Seafood Business Promotion

If you would like to be featured on the Eat Local Charles County Directory as well as County promotional materials, digital listings, or video spotlights, or if you have upcoming events you would like promoted through our social media or newsletter please contact us.

Sign Up for Charles County Agriculture Monthly Newsletter
Sign up for the Charles County Agriculture Monthly Newsletter to stay connected with local food, events, trainings, resources and community initiatives. You can subscribe here. Follow Charles County Agriculture on Facebook.