Boulder County Commissioners approve mobile farm stands

In a move aimed at supporting local farmers and expanding access to locally grown produce, the Boulder County Commissioners have unanimously approved Docket DC-25-0001, Text Amendments to the Land Use Code related to Mobile Farm Stands, allowing mobile farm stands throughout unincorporated areas of the county.

The decision, which came during the commissioners' regular meeting on April 15, amends the Land Use Code to permit mobile farm stands as part of accessory agricultural sales operations. Previously, the code only explicitly allowed for permanent agricultural sales structures.

"This is clever and exciting," said Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann during the meeting, praising the work that went into developing the proposal.

The initiative emerged from a pilot project that initially sought to create pre-approved, affordable farm stand designs. However, when cost estimates for permanent structures ballooned to approximately $20,000 due to accessibility requirements, county staff pivoted to the mobile option after learning that many farmers expressed interest in portable stands.

According to 2022 USDA census data, Boulder County has approximately 826 farms, and 86% of them make less than $25,000 annually in agricultural product sales. "Expecting farmers to invest more in a structure than they might make selling goods there didn't align with our goals," said Sabrina Torres, Boulder County's Sustainable Agricultural Planner.

The new regulations create a pathway for farmers to establish mobile farm stands without the substantial investment required for permanent structures. Under the approved amendments, mobile farm stands will be permitted with minimal building requirements, only necessitating permits if electrical facilities are installed.

The text amendment changes the terminology from "agricultural sales structures" to "agricultural sales units" to accommodate the inclusion of mobile options. It also simplifies requirements regarding the percentage of Boulder County-sourced products that must be sold, basing calculations on display area rather than floor area.

Commissioner Stolzmann motioned to approve with minor edits to text language, and Commissioner Claire Levy supported the motion, noting the substantial work that went into developing a pragmatic solution for local farmers.

The changes align with several Boulder County Comprehensive Plan goals, including fostering a diverse agricultural economy, reducing regulatory burdens on agricultural activities, and encouraging local economic partnerships that support sustainably sourced products.

For farmers operating in floodplain areas, the amendment clarifies that mobile farm stands must meet requirements for recreational vehicles but do not need a separate Floodplain Development Permit.

This approval represents the culmination of extensive outreach to local farmers and collaboration between multiple county departments, including Community Planning & Permitting, Public Health, and various fire districts.

The new regulations take effect immediately, allowing Boulder County farmers to implement mobile farm stand operations in time for the 2025 growing season.