Sec. 7(a).3. - Definitions.
A. Agri-business. Certain farm-related businesses, including but not limited to: Retail sales of locally grown products of agriculture and aqua-culture including processed, cooked, and baked goods made with farm products; farm-to-table dining venues; family events, farmers markets of locally grown and raised products; processing of farm-raised beef, pork, chicken, lamb, game birds, fish as well as all other farm raised animals; fruits and vegetables; the processing of farm-raised crops.
B. Agri-tourism.
1. Means any agriculturally based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including direct-to-consumer sales such as farm stands and u-pick, agricultural education through school visits, hospitality services like overnight farm stays, recreational activities such horseback riding and archery, meeting venues and hosting family events, and entertainment events like hayrides and harvest dinners.
2. Agri-tourism benefits surrounding communities by drawing tourists to rural areas, stimulating local economies, and fostering a greater appreciation for agricultural practices and local food systems.
3. Agri-tourism shall further be defined to include the following prohibited uses: Overnight music festivals; tractor pulls; monster trucks, dirt bike, motor cross or ATV competitions; live-fire or ammunition events excepting trap, skeet and clay shooting; carnivals, circus, fairs, or the like; unless an entertainment license is granted by the town council for a specific event.
C. Family events. Traditional events such as weddings, funerals, birthday or other events where third parties rent a meeting hall or tent on the farm for a defined time. The event shall have a maximum capacity as determined by the fire marshal and have parking sufficient for the maximum capacity. Outdoor amplified music during the event shall not be permitted.
D. Farm kitchen. A fully licensed commercial kitchen for the preparation for on-site and off-site consumption of farm products such as, but not limited to jams, juices, spreads, meats, aquaculture, vegetables, fruits, berries, wines, beer products and related foodstuffs such as baked goods. Cooking classes and food competitions are permitted. A farm kitchen may not include a restaurant but may prepare and serve food for family events and agri-tourism events.
E. Farmers market. The sale of locally grown and available products during daylight hours or during special farm events.
F. Farmland. The applying land has been approved as Farmland pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-27-3 for a minimum of five (5) years prior to the date of application.
G. Farm stand. A seasonal, sheltered area with shelves and counters for displaying and selling locally grown or produced items.
H. Farm store. A farm store with an on-site kitchen for the retail sale of products grown, harvested, and processed locally. The kitchen must comply with the farm café ordinance. The store prioritizes the farm-to-consumer experience, highlighting local sourcing and production.
I. Overlay districts. An overlay district is a land use zoning district that overlays existing ones. It can either provide additional support with fewer regulations or impose stricter limits, depending on its intent and the specific needs of an area that may require greater protection. Per R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-31(55), an overlay district is a district established in a zoning ordinance that is superimposed on one or more districts or parts of districts. The standards and requirements associated with an overlay district may be more or less restrictive than those in the underlying districts, consistent with other applicable state and federal laws. Another type of overlay district is a "floating" overlay zone, which, according to R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-31(28), can operate as an unmapped zoning district adopted within the ordinance and established on the zoning map only when an application for development meeting the zone requirements is approved. Floating overlay districts are not automatically granted as a matter of right; rather, they are subject to specific eligibility criteria, performance standards, and the discretion of the town council. This overlay district is layered atop the existing underlying zoning, serving as an additional regulatory framework rather than a mandatory entitlement. Its approval is contingent upon a thorough evaluation and is not guaranteed.
J. Restaurant. A full-time venue, open to the general public, solely for dining with waitstaff, tables and chairs.
(Ord. of 7-7-2025(1))