Alternative Lodging for Guests on Your Farm: A How

Transcription

Farm Stays: Lodging for Guests on Your Farm or Ranch
Feasibility Worksheet
What’s a Farm Stay?
A farm stay* is a hosted accommodation on a working farm with guests
paying for the privilege of staying overnight. Farm stay lodging runs the
gamut: from camping, to rooms in the farmhouse, to guest houses – to
name a few. Guests are often invited to help with the more benign farm
chores if they wish (collecting eggs, feeding livestock). The farm stay is
about the experience, be it the ‘unplugged’ nature of the setting, the farm
fresh food, or the passive education about farming and ranching.
*Caveat: This term/phrase is not yet recognized by most state
agencies or the insurance industry as a form of lodging. The concept
of farm stays is European and has recently been introduced in the
U.S. “Bed & Breakfast”, “campground”, and “private park” are more
widely used to fit the regulatory vocabulary.
U. S Farm Stay Association | www.farmstayus.com | 541-487-4966
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The Feasibility Study
aka
Should I host an agritourism farm stay or not?
Questions to answer (who, what, when, where, why and how
much, not necessarily in that order):
1. Regulations, Permits, and Licenses
2. Lodging
3. Infrastructure and Amenities
4. Activities
5. Marketing/Internet savvy
6. Legal and insurance
7. Competition
8. Financials: Start-up
9. Financials: Operating Income
10. Who’s going to be responsible?
11. Timing and Motivation reality check - is agritourism a good
match for you and your operation?
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1. Regulation, Permit, and License Requirements
There are a variety of permits and licenses required to operate your facility
depending on what you are offering. Below is a list for check-off.
Note: there is a great Regulatory Agency Worksheet in Agritourism and
Nature Tourism in California, 2nd Edition pg 75. CA is more heavily regulated
than most states. This worksheet should help you identify the agencies you
need to know about.
 Licenses (You may or may not need all of these. They may also be called different
names depending on the state you are in, but this will give you the basics for where
to start)
_____Business license:

Contact the local city office where your establishment is located for specific
business license requirements.
_____County Lodging tax license:
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Your county may charge a % lodging tax (in addition to possible state and/or city
lodging tax – or maybe your state doesn’t collect this at all!)
_____City/county sales and use tax license:

Contact the local city/county office where your establishment is located for
specific tax license requirements.
_____ Liquor license:

Contact your state for more information on how to obtain a liquor license for
your establishment and/or if you need one (obviously this is only if you are
serving alcohol).
______ State sales tax license:

Contact your state Department of Revenue for more information or to obtain a
state sales tax license. A state sales tax license is often required when applying
for a retail food establishment license.
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_____Fictitious name: filing with state, aka DBA (‘doing business as’)

This is your business name filing even if you are a sole proprietorship. It protects
your name as yours and puts you on the roles as a legal business in your state.
There is generally an annual fee to be registered with the state. You should be
able to sign up online through your state’s governmental website.
_____Federal tax ID number: when incorporated or have employees

Contact the Internal Revenue Service or go online to their site. Make a note of
the i.d number they assign you before leaving the site; otherwise you will have
to wait until the hard copy comes in the mail
Others?
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 Permits or Fees
_____ Building permits
_____ Department of Public Health and Environment
_____ Environmental Health (Water/Sewer)
_____ Public Works (Signs, Road access)
_____ Fire and Safety
_____ Fishing and hunting
_____ Special use
You may decide not to do some of the things you wanted to do based on what you find
out and cost for compliance.
 Other:
Bed and Breakfast - meals: does your state have specific rules for these?
Domestic Kitchen vs Commercial Kitchen:
check with your Department of Health
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Personal Property Tax : Many counties have something called Personal Property Tax
that they require you to submit annually. This is a county tax on businesses. No one
remembers to tell you about this, until they do with a fine for non-compliance.
*** Make sure your neighbors are on board or your idea may die before
you ever get out of the regulatory process***
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Talk to your neighbors about your idea and how this might impact the neighborhood
o Good neighbor relations will go a long way
Part of a permit review is to contact all neighbors for comments
Be aware that your neighbors’ objections during your application process will not
necessarily stall or fail a review, but better to not have the complaint registered at
all.
Invite your neighbors over to see your facilities
Invite your neighbors to any large parties that might affect them with traffic or noise
so they don’t just feel like the ‘neighbors’
One of the biggest complaints recorded by the Department of Agriculture is
neighbor relations, especially if you are near a commercial operation.
Notes:
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Lodging
What kind of farm stay are you offering? High, middle, or low end (5 star to self-serve)
-- This will determine and/or be determined by the next bulleted items
-- This will determine the amenities and activities offered
1. Location
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Where will guests reside on the farm?
How close to others (if multiple)? – draw a site map
Will you offer a variety of lodging types?
Will you accommodate animals traveling with guests (horses, dogs) – where?
2. Lodging Facilities
Farm stays are unique because guests tend to be more adventurous in what they will accept in
the way of new experience.
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Rooms in your home/farm house
Alternative Lodging*
o Cabins
o Platform tents
o RVs or RV parking
o Yurts
o Tipis
o Guest houses/cottages
o Farm house
o Converted farm buildings (i.e. silo)
o Campgrounds
o Tree houses
o Mobile homes
o Tiny houses (these can fall into the RV category)
Pets and livestock facilities
* Specific Alternative Lodging Examples with details– see Addendum 1
Notes:
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3. Infrastructure and Amenities
Infrastructure (Check off what you have and what you will need to upgrade)
_____ Water and sewer
_____ Electricity
_____ Food prep areas
_____Parking (depending on capacity)
_____Access (road - and disability if this is of interest though not required in small facilities)
_____Prepared campsites, specific locations, or make camp anywhere?
_____RV hookups: water, sewer, other
_____Stalls, corrals, runs
_____Emergency vehicle access
_____Fencing
_____ Other
Amenities:
_____Communal space in a house means YOUR house!
_____ New or remodel, contemporary or rustic décor?
_____ Access to kitchen, private kitchen, kitchenette?
_____ Private or shared bathrooms
_____Off-grid amenities (e.g. composting toilets, solar showers)
_____ Internet/phone/TV
_____ A/C and/or heating
_____ Luxury?
Your zoning (or budget) may restrict your choices
Notes:
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4. Activities
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What do you like to teach or do?
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What could you (safely) use help with?
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Your top activities
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Top Things Travelers Ask to Do
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Help with chores
Milking
Cattle drives
Riding
Collect eggs
Bottle feed baby animals
Outdoor recreation
Hunting and fishing
Classes (cheese, soap, weaving, canning)
Check out the Advanced Search on the Farm Stay U.S. (www.farmstayus.com)
website, under Activities. You will see about 50 activities listed. Some you might
be considering already; some you might find interesting to add.
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5. Marketing and Internet Savvy
 Online presence: who to contact, how much, where to start
o
Website
URL:_________________________________________________
Budget: ______________________________________________
Website design: ________________________________________
o
Facebook – name of your farm/ranch, not your personal listing (free)
_________________________________________________________
o
Twitter – name of your farm/ranch; can tie to Facebook posts; 140
characters allowed (free)
_________________________________________________________
o
Instagram – individual using #farm name on photos or account from
farm (free)
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o
Pinterest – name of your farm/ranch; followers like photos better
than words (suggestions: canning, flowers, landscapes, etc.)(free)
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Google business listing – free; includes address, phone, hours, photo
o
Local CVB (Convention and Visitor’s Bureau) (usually free)
Contact: _________________________________________________
o
State Tourism Office (usually free)
Contact: ______________________________________________________
 Online marketing websites
o Niche: U.S. Farm Stay Association (http://www.farmstayus.com)
o Vacation Rental sites
 Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO)/Homeaway
 Airbnb
 Flipkey
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o Bed and Breakfast sites
o Travel sites
 Booking.com
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Contact local news organizations with a story pitch
o
Grand opening, seasonal, baby animals, general interest, historical,
etc.
Contacts:
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Word of Mouth: Get yourself listed
o Trip Advisor ______________________________________
o Yelp ____________________________________________
o Guests
 Google Analytics
This allows you to track online how well your website is performing. It will
also show you the source of inquiries so you can tell what kind of marketing
is doing best. You will need to insert Google Analytics code on your website.
This is a Very Useful tool.
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Legal and Insurance
Also known as risk management, you usually want to do this once you have decided
what you are going to offer, and where you are going to offer it.
 Lawyer:
Contact:
_____________________________________________________________
To discuss:
o Business structures (entity):
 Sole proprietor,
 Partnership,
 Limited Liability Corporation,
 Sub-S Corporation,
 C Corporation
Tip: Most farms are either Sole Proprietor or LLC structures. It has to
do with limiting your liability but there are pros and cons to these so
discuss with your lawyer.
o Terms and Conditions and Release from Liability Waivers
 Covers everything from cancellation policies to no smoking, no
children, disruptive behavior, weather issues, etc.
What to address:
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Tips:
o Least expensive way to handle – write your own after
looking at other examples, then have reviewed by your
lawyer
o Ch. 5 Agritourism and Nature Tourism in California, 2nd
Edition has information about your liability risks, both for
your guests and for your farm. Also has some templates
o Addendum 3 provides an example – reviewed by an
Oregon lawyer
o T&C is different than a Liability Waiver
o If your state has Limited Liability Equine or Agritourism
laws, make sure you have the authorized signage posted.
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Insurance: farm or homeowner’s agent
Contact: _______________________________________________________
To discuss:
o Policy (policies?)
 What kind of business liability policies do they sell?
 B&B?
 Farm business?
 Equine
 Special event?
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 What kind of policy(ies) do you need?
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 How about an umbrella policy?
 Will it cover the business?
 What monetary amount of coverage do you need?
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 What will it cost?
 Prices can vary from $500-$25,000, so shop around.
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Tips:
o Refer to pg. 81, Fig. 5.2 Agritourism and Nature Tourism in
California, 2nd Edition for a Buying Liability Insurance
Worksheet that makes sure you know what you are getting
(questions for your agent)
o Be honest with your agent, but don’t embellish information
o Sometimes using a broker is easier/better than shopping
around
o Not a lot of underwriters so you don’t want your name to be
associated with denial of coverage
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6. Competition
Don’t just look at standard forms of lodging, because you aren’t standard either.
Who are they and what do they charge?
Hotels/Motels:
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Bed & Breakfasts:
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Campgrounds:
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Vacation and Airbnb rentals:
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Outfitters:
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Parks:
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Farm and ranch stays:
(really, these are your allies, along with many of the above mentioned. If you are
booked, make a referral and ask for the same in exchange)
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Other locals you can work with: (i.e. restaurants, tour guides, rental
companies)
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7. Financials: Start-up Projections and Pricing
The following financials (#8 and #9) don’t necessarily need to be completed in the order
written below, but all need to be completed for a good financial review of your idea.
Start-Up: How much is it going to cost to get the first person in the door?
These are estimates to start, but will have to be filled in later with hard costs (usually
easiest on a spreadsheet):
______________________ Structures or remodel – build out cost
______________________ Infrastructure necessary (utilities, access, signage, etc.)
______________________ Furnishings & accessories (bedding, kitchenware, decor, etc)
______________________ Supplies
______________________ Insurance
______________________ Legal
______________________ Marketing
______________________ Permits and licenses
______________________ Website development
______________________ Total
Examples of Start-Up Costs
Note: These numbers are only to give you an idea. Costs will depend upon your location and what you
want to do. Some numbers could be much lower, some much higher. Pick and choose for a rough estimate.

Lodging
$500-$5,000
$1,000-$10,000
$2,000-$25,000
$25,000-$75,000
$25,000-$125,000
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Campsites spaces
In-house (paint rooms, improve furnishings, upgrade bathroom)
Platform tents or yurts
Conversion of old farm building into lodging
Build small cabin or guest house
Infrastructure
$100 - $10,000
$100 - $10,000
$0 - $20,000
Water – from 5 gallon bottles to running
Bathrooms – from composting to full w/ septic field
Kitchen facilities - from none, to pole barn w/ propane and H2O,
to kitchenette, to full kitchen
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
Bedding, Furniture, Appliances, Décor, Kitchen, Bath, Other
$1,250
$3,000
$500-$3,000
$2,500
$1,000
$500
$300-$500
$250-$1,000
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Supplies
$100-$250
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Business liability premium (depends on activities and insurance co.)
Marketing
$200-$1,000
$200-$400
$60-$400
Free
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Set-up fees
Insurance
$500-$25,000
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Cleaning, dining, bathroom, kitchen
Legal
$50-$1,000
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Bedroom furniture – per room
Living room furniture
Dining room/area
Kitchen appliances: fridge, stove, microwave, toaster
Laundry facilities
Bathroom: rugs, towels, amenities
Bedroom: blankets, sheets, rugs, bedspread – per room
Kitchen: plates, glasses, pots/pans, tools, cutlery, knives,
mats/napkins
Website produced, does not include hosting
Membership in local tourism or chamber group
Listing on travel websites – per site
Facebook page, Twitter account, Google business listing
Permits/Fees/Licenses
$500-$10,000
City, county, state, other regulatory agencies
Total Start-Up: From $1,200 to $220,000+ (depending…)
Notes:
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Pricing: what to charge…and for what?
This is where you decide what type of operation you would like to run, because all your
other decisions will flow from here.
Assess your ‘assets’ (e.g. what are you selling?)
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Land: mountainous, flat, river valley, trees, pastoral, farmland, pasture, scenic.
Describe:__________________________________________________________
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Buildings: historic, quintessential farm buildings, maintained, new/old, amenities
Describe:__________________________________________________________
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Location: off a dirt road, within reach of major metropolitan areas, airport
access, town nearby, restaurants and things to do in close proximity, remote,
quiet. Describe:
Describe:__________________________________________________________
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Human resources: family, employee pool, experience in the hospitality or
customer service arena. Who?
Describe:__________________________________________________________
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Research your area
 What are others charging for lodging in your area (hotels, B&Bs, farm stays)?
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 What will your lodging be most comparable to in terms of amenities offered
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Look at a simple fee structure (easier for guests), e.g. flat rate all year vs. seasonal rates
(you can always negotiate discounts if requested during mud season)
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Will you charge for extras? (food, activities, farm store, etc.)
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Now, based on your research, what do you think you can charge for your
lodging?
I’m going to charge…because:
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Do the math. Here’s an example:
$150 per night
40
$6,000
2 bedrooms, full amenities, sleeps 5
# of nights booked (projected), weekends, April-September
Example has 8 nights not booked in that timeframe.
Gross revenues
Is this enough? Do you need to do more? Back into the math with a number in
mind, and see what it looks like.
$20,000 desired
revenue
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= $150 (should this be more?) x 134 nights
This is 37% annual occupancy. Is this possible? Consider weather,
temperatures, location, and your time.
Keep substituting numbers until the math looks reasonable for your location,
your industry, and your time and attention.
Make sure the math supports your desire to do this!
Also, shoot low for the first several years until you get some traction and
referrals.
Notes:
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8. Financials: Operating Revenue and Expense Projection
Start-Up is different than Operating Expenses because often the costs are one-time.
They will also be handled differently by your accountant so be clear what is startup and
what is operating in your bookkeeping.
Operating Revenues
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Lodging fee
Extra charges: activities, classes, amenities, meals, etc
Weddings and events
Decide if you will charge a la carte or do an all-inclusive fee. Look to guest ranches
that charge all-inclusive. Ask around for pros and cons.
Operating Expenses
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Figure on an average of 20-30% of revenue
Examples of ordinary expenses to consider – you may have others. Take a look at
a Federal tax schedule E for rental expense categories you will need for reporting
o Accounting/bookkeeping
o Banking/merchant services (credit
cards)
o Dues/memberships
o Food
o Insurance
o Housekeeping
o Maintenance/repairs
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Marketing/ advertising
Phone/Internet/Hosting
Payroll
Supplies
County Travel and Tourism Tax
Utilities
Loan payback
Notes:
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Example: Revenue/Expense Projection
Revenue
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Nightly fee ($150) x 40 nights for first year = $6,000
Operating Expenses
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Expenses $1,350 (Figured at 30% of revenues. Some expenses are fixed –
insurance - while others are relative to bookings.
Profit and Loss Summary for Year 1:
Example:
$20,000
Start-up costs
$ 6,000
-$1,800
$4,200
Revenue – year 1
Operating costs
Net Income
To figure Payback
Payback if net income stays constant: $20,000/$4,200 = 4.8 years.
After this time, all net income falls to the farm’s bottom line as profit.
If Year 2 net income were to double to $12,000, then payoff is in Year 3.
Any other increment, just take the net income and add it together until the start-up
costs are paid off.
For examples of Profit and Loss and Cash Flow Projection Excel templates, look at the
SCORE website (http://www.score.org) or talk to your local small business development
center (SBDC).
Notes:
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9. Who will run this operation?
Start-up may be different than the daily operations. Decide on all the roles and responsibilities
before your begin.
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Write a job description for all the positions, even if you are doing all of them yourself
o Build-out /decorating
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o Reservations
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o Hosting
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o Cleaning
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o Cooking
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o Marketing
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o Grounds keeping
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o Other (e.g. classes)
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If this person is you, how will you:
o Cover your farm jobs
o Pay yourself
o Find time for yourself (B&B burnout)
If this person is a family member:
o Pick the person best suited for the job of hospitality since farm stays are the
business of hospitality and customer service and not necessarily farming.
o Consider who will pick up the jobs on the farm that this person used to do
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
o Will this be a paid position?
When to consider employees
o Depending on the farm expertise that may be lost and what jobs pay:
 Would it be more economical to hire someone to: clean, maintain
grounds, other?
 To start, good to know all the jobs necessary but start to consider
alternatives early
Tips:
o
o
Depending on the size and complexity of your farm stay, between reservations
and activities, the job could take as little as 2 hours/day and as many as 8 hours.
For farm host training, read pg 7 (“Hospitality and Customer Service Do’s and
Don’t) in Farm Stay 101 http://www.farmstayus.com/for-farms/farm-staybusiness-guide/farm-stay-101-the-basics
Notes:
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10. Timing and Motivation: one more reality check
Timetable
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How soon do you envision opening?
o Have you considered the ‘season’ for farm stays to launch or do you want
to try a soft launch (this is often determined by the necessity for cash
flow)?
o Be realistic: ask the county about their time tables since it is not all up to
you
o

If this is a five-year plan, what can you put in place now? If this is a one-year
plan, do you have the time to commit to this intensively? If this is a retirement
plan…
o Practice on people who know you and will give honest feedback
o Make sure you enjoy doing this
o Realize that the business takes time to build – give it at least 3 years
Motivation
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Financial
Educational
Meeting new people
Other
Notes:
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Your Business Plan Rough Draft
A feasibility study is rough, but gives you a financial snapshot of what you are selling and
to whom, how much it will cost to start, and what you can expect to make in return.
However, it doesn’t answer all the questions you need to consider before you jump:
Look at the Farm Stay U.S. website under the Farmer’s Guide tab for:
o a more detailed set of start-up questions: http://www.farmstayus.com/forfarms.
o Basic Business Guide
o FAQs
o Business Resources
o Starting a Farm Stay - narrative
o Contact your local Extension offices and SBDC for training and feedback
o Talk to your tourism people – there are tons of resources for Colorado
o Talk to your fellow farm and ranch stay operators already in business
o Feel free to contact us with questions:
Page 23
Addendum 1: Alternative Lodging Examples
Platform Tents
Typically, canvas tents with metal or wood pole frames, set on wooden platform raised off the
ground. Platform may extend past the tent for a deck. Depending on climate, a wood stove is
included. Tents are often removed during low season to protect materials.
Willow Witt Ranch, Ashland OR
: Brand: Colorado Yurt Co. - Cimarron Tent
Size: 12x14’
Sleeps 4 (1 bed + 1 futon)
Netting on ends
Wood stove
Cost: @$1400.
: Amenities – general use
Cook pole barn – propane stove, water, prep counters, picnic tables, gravel floor
Porta potties (although just added septic for flush bathrooms)
: Permitted - campground (Jackson Co)
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Green Springs Box R Ranch, Ashland OR
: Brand – Bussard & Sons (the ranch calls these bunkalows)
12x15’ tent - sleeps 4 (I double, 2 singles)
10x12’ tents (sleeps 2)
Wood stove
Solar or battery lighting
Cost @$1200
: Facilities – shared
Solar outdoor showers
Porta potties
Camp cooking
Summer camp facilities for large groups
: Permitted - as campground (Jackson Co)
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Bella Vista, Hood River OR
: Brand - Yakima Tent Co
2 platform tents placed together for families
another 8’ off the ground
Cost @$1000 each
: Facilities - shared
Bath house with toilets
: Advice from farm
Tents mildew easily and need to be used only during good weather
Replace tents every 2 years of so
Hard to keep linens mildew free
Tent in tree is challenging to turn over quickly for new guests
: Permitted – Conditional Use B & B (Hood River Co)
Tipis
Green Springs Box R Ranch, Ashland OR
: Brand: Nomadic Tipis (Bend OR)
16 20’ tipis – set in groups of 8
Dirt floors
Set up for summer camps so cots
and sleeping bags
Cost @$900 each
Bathrooms
Kitchen
Cafeteria
: Permitted - Summer Camp (Jackson Co)
Page 26
Cherrywood Bed, Breakfast and Barn, Zillah WA
: Brand – unknown
4 tipis
trailers
cement/stone floors
1 queen bed or 2 singles
no heating apparent
Cost - @$2000 ea
: Facilities - shared
: Permitted – the farm is in WA so zoning doesn’t apply
Page 27
Yurts
Paca Pride Guest Ranch, Granite Falls WA (Pacific Yurts)
: Brand – Pacific Yurts
16’ diameter
Sleeps 3-4 with queen bed and futon
Electricity
American Bedding mattresses for mildew
Cost @ $20k from start to finish
30’ yurt used for meetings
Additional camping platform
Restrooms and showers inside of farm house
Outdoor cooking with propane stove and barbeques
Guest room in farm house for non-campers (grandparents)
: Advice from farm –
Get hard features (windows/doors), complete insulation
Pacific Yurt provides enough info for engineered plans
Small yurt is fine for family size
National campgrounds that added yurts saw 65-80% increase in revenue
: Permitted – park campground
Tent platform for campers in case of rain
Page 28
Silos
Abbey Road Farm, Carlton OR (custom)
: Brand – custom
3 25’ silos were converted into 5 rooms with radiant floors, doors,
windows, ensuite bathrooms
Put together with foyer for entrance.
Yamhill Co allowed as ag structure
Cost: $225k
: Facilities
Food is handled in old farmhouse downstairs
Upstairs is vacation rental.
: Permitted – Bed & Breakfast (on EFU land?) (Yamhill Co)
Page 29
Treehouses
Deer Haven Farms, Newberg OR
: Brand - Treehouse Workshop, Fall City WA
Farmers and friends took part in initial construction
Workshop puts up frame and exterior walls
Finishing by farmers
Price: @ $70K turnkey
: Facilities –
Unclear at this time
: Permitted – unclear since Yamhill Co building department wants to see final
product first.
Page 30
Sheepherder’s Wagon
Serenity Sheep Farm, Belgrade MT
: Brand – unknown, purchased off of Craig’s List
2 wagons – one with hard top (better), other with canvas
Sleeps 2 in double bed
Bench seats inside
Built deck out front to increase living area
Solar lighting
Seasonal
Price: @$2000 each all in
Outhouse with composting toilet
Solar shower
Propane gas grill (Cabellas)
Cooler with ice
: Permitted – camping
Caused problem for insurance which designated at B&B
Uses Farmer’s Union Insurance.
Page 31
Airstream
Pholia Farm, Grant’s Pass OR (purchased with assistance of friend who is part of
an Airstream club)
1970s reconditioned Airstream $5-10k, cooking minimal, amenities in bathroom
in barn, covered for leaks but helped by adding deck, sleeps 2 (bed and cot)
Permitted as campground since recreational vehicle (Jackson County)
Tiny Houses
No farms yet that are known, but Portland Co will help to build
May be considered RVs if on wheels
Page 32
Addendum 2: Questions and Answers for Farm Owners to Ask of their
Regulatory Agencies
Q. Is a “Farm Stay” different from a “Bed and Breakfast” or “Guest Ranch”?
A.
Q. Can I establish a Farm Stay Bed and Breakfast Facility (B&B) on my farm?
A
Q. I’m not sure what my zoning allows. Are there difference use guidelines?
A.
Q. Is a Farm Stay B&B allowed to operate only in the main farm residence occupied by the
farm owners or family or also simultaneously in other farm residences if they are occupied by
additional farm owners or family?
A
Q. How many guests may be accommodated overnight in a Farm Stay B&B?
A.
Q. Do I need to be licensed with the County Health Department in order to prepare
breakfasts?
A.
Q. Do I need to have a commercial kitchen to prepare breakfast for guests?
A.
Q. Will my facility be inspected?
A
Q. Can I serve meals to my guests in addition to breakfast?
A.
Q. Are my neighbors part of the decision making process?
A.
Page 33
Q. Are there forms to complete and fees to pay?
A.
Q What happens to my application packet after I submit it and pay the fee?
A.
Q. May I establish a private campground on my land?
A.
Q. Do I need a permit to have ‘tiny houses’ on my land?
A.
Q. Let me re-phrase, “How do I get this X/Y/Z signed off through your department?”
Page 34
Addendum 3: Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
EXAMPLE
I. POLICIES
1. We are sorry, but dogs are not allowed at our farm since we have many free-range animals.
We have our own dogs and cats running around the property. Please let us know if you are
afraid or have issues with our domestics and we will try to make arrangements to that effect.
2. No Smoking inside the cottage. If you smoke outside, please crush and dispose of all cigarette
butts in a safe manner since we are (ex.: surrounded by the forests of the Coast Range). If there
is a smell of smoke or we have to clean up after you, there will be an additional fee.
3. Check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. These times are negotiable with the stated
acknowledgement of your hosts.
4. Deposits: A 50% deposit is required to hold all reservations. This will be applied to your
balance due at the end of your stay as long as there is no damage.
5. Payments of all rents are due upon departure either by check or credit card. Your credit card
receipt will read “name on your merchant services account”.
6. Cancellations: Reservations cancelled 21 days or more prior to arrival will receive a full
refund, less a $25.00 processing fee. Reservations cancelled 20 days or less may result in
payments being forfeit if we cannot re-rent the cabin. There are no refunds for unused nights
resulting from late arrivals or early departures, except under extraordinary circumstances which
will be at the discretion of the owner.
7. A charge of $25.00 will be assessed for each returned check.
8. There are no refunds due to mechanical failure, natural disasters, or weather.
9. Please abide by any additional ‘rules’ posted in the cottage. These are for the safety of both
you and the farm residents (animals and people). A farm has inherent dangers and we will do
our best to point out the obvious ones; however, guests will hold harmless XXX Farm from all
claims, suits or action of any nature arising out of activities of their party.
10. XXX Farm reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.
11. Violation of any federal or state laws, company policies or house rules are all grounds for
immediate eviction without refund.
12. Receipt of your deposit and registration form will secure your reservation.
Page 35
II. RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
When you check-in, we will have you sign this agreement. Please be sure to read it completely
before your arrival.
1. I agree to RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE any entity or individual
involved in any way with the ownership, management, control and/or maintenance of the XXX
Farm, and/or their employees, officers, directors, management, employees, agents (collectively
and individually referred to herein as “Releasees”), from all liability to me, my personal
representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin for any and all loss or damage, and any claim or
demands therefore on account of injury to the person or property or resulting in death and
whether caused by the negligence of the Releasees or otherwise.
2. I hereby ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR AND RISK OF BODILY INJURY, DEATH OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE due to the negligence of Releasees, and any of them, or otherwise while
using or staying at XXX Farm.
3. I agree to INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS the Releasees and each of them from
any loss, liability, damage, or cost (including but not limited to attorney fees) that they may
incur during and/or as a result of any activity of the undersigned while at XXX Farm, whether
caused by the negligence of the Releasees or otherwise.
4. (When applicable) I am the parent/guardian of a minor child and do hereby give my approval
of his/her participation in any and all of the activities at XXX Farm. I agree to the above terms
and conditions for myself and on behalf of the minor.
5. I acknowledge that any review of these issues are subject to local county venue.
WE RESPECT YOUR PRIVACY!
All of the information collected on this site will be kept strictly confidential and will not be sold,
rented, disclosed, or loaned to any entity outside XXX Farm except the bank processing
institutions that are involved in completing your purchase.
Any information you provide will be held with the utmost care and will not be used in ways that
you have not consented to.
We NEVER store credit card numbers on our site. Only the bank processing institutions see this
information.
Page 36
Addendum 4: Farms in Northwest with Alternative Lodging mentioned
Silo
Abbey Road Farm, Carlton OR: www.abbeyroadfarm.com
Platform Tents
Belle Vista, Hood River OR: www.bellavistahoodriver.com
Green Springs Box R Ranch, Ashland OR: www.boxrranch.com
Willow-Witt Ranch, Ashland OR: www.willowwittranch.com
Tipis
Cherrywood Bed, Breakfast, & Barn, Zilla WA: www.cherrywoodbbandb.com
Green Springs Box R Ranch, Ashland OR: www.boxrranch.com
Tree Houses
Deer Haven Farms, Newberg OR: www.deerhavenfarmsbb.org
Yurts
Paca Pride Guest Ranch, Granite Falls WA: www.pacapride.com
Air Stream Trailer
Pholia Farm, Grant’s Pass OR: www.pholiafarm.com
Shepherder’s Wagon
Serenity Sheep Farm, Belgrade MT: www.serenitysheepfarmstay.com
Additional farms using everything from yurts to airstreams to converted farm buildings
can be found by searching the Farm Stay U.S. website (www.farmstayus.com) using
Accommodation as a selection in the Advanced Search.
Page 37
Addendum 5: Resources
1. Agritourism and Nature Tourism in California 2nd ed., by Holly George and Ellie Rilla,
2011, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Publication 3484.
To order http://anrcatalog.usdavis.edu , 1-800-994-8849.
Thorough ‘how to‘ publication that guides the business plan for farms thinking of
entering agritourism. California has as many if not more regulations than Oregon
so coverage is fairly complete.
2. U. S. Farm Stay Association. www.farmstayus.com –
Member-based organization to market and promote farm stays around the
country. Has a farmer resource section: http://www.farmstayus.com/for-farms.
3. Online Farm Stay Manual, University of MN Institute for Sustainable Agriculture,
http://www.misa.umn.edu/Publications/FarmstayManual/index.htm.
While this was written for MN farms, there is a lot of good general information.
4. National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety (2008)
Policies and Procedures Guide and Worksite Guide,
http://www.marshalfieldclinic.org/agritourism
Detailed guides with check-off worksheets that cover in detail all the issues and
agritourism venture needs to look at for safety.
Page 38

Alternative Lodging for Guests on Your Farm: A How

Transcription

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