Scott County approves new rules for farm wineries, delays wedding barns

Scott County put a ring on an amended ordinance for farm wineries — but is leaving barn weddings in question.

The Board of Commissioners approved on Tuesday new rules for farm wineries and vineyards after months of conversation among City Councils, venue owners and their neighbors about such rural sites that host private or public events. The board also voted to allow 15 events at wineries per year instead of the 10 proposed by the county's Planning Advisory Commission — saying 10 wasn't worth a significant investment for owners. As for wedding barns, a new zoning category, the board again delayed action until July pending further research.

The ordinances mainly regulate noise, frequency of events and traffic. For wineries and vineyards, the rules became more lenient — including an increase in the allowable number of special events per year.

For wedding barns, the proposed ordinances would allow up to two weddings per week, and the owner or operator must also live on the property. Another item would require that trained security, such as a sheriff's deputy or private hire, work on-site after 7 p.m.

The commissioners also discussed the probability of allowing an "unlimited" number of events at such sites, which Commissioner Joe Wagner supported. Said Commissioner Jon Ulrich: "Part of me does, too, but I didn't want to ask for that today."

The board opted to wait a year or two to determine whether any "issues" arise with the capped amount of events at farm wineries, although county administrator Gary Shelton added that changing the law again will require a similarly lengthy process.

"We can always move it up, but I don't think moving it down is a great idea," said Commissioner Tom Wolf.

There is currently one venue — Rubies and Rust in Belle Plaine — under permit as a home-based business in Scott County. It would be excluded from new ordinances, but the rules would apply to future applicants.

Natalie Daher • 612-673-1775