This bill amends the Agritourism Responsibility Act in West Virginia to establish fire safety requirements for agritourism businesses. It clarifies that agritourism activities do not alter the agricultural classification of properties for building codes, zoning, or property tax purposes. The bill allows agritourism businesses to use certain facilities for events without adhering to full-time building and fire codes, provided the facilities are structurally sound. However, specific types of facilities, such as educational, daycare, correctional, healthcare, and lodging facilities, are excluded from this exemption.

Additionally, the bill outlines minimum fire safety standards for fully enclosed agritourism buildings, including requirements for exits, fire extinguishers, alarm systems, and emergency plans. It mandates inspections by the Office of the State Fire Marshal or local authorities for businesses seeking exemptions from state fire codes. The bill also specifies that overnight lodging is prohibited unless all fire code requirements are met and lists certain structures, like gazebos and open-wall barns, that are exempt from these provisions. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance safety standards while promoting agritourism in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-36-5