Oak Ridge council approves ordinance allowing event centers with restrictions

The Oak Ridge Town Council on Sept. 4 approved a zoning text amendment that creates “event center” as a permitted use in multiple commercial and institutional zoning districts and as a special‑use option in agricultural and RS‑40 residential districts.

Town planning staff presented the amendment, which adds a definition, parking standards, buffer and noise controls, and special‑use permit requirements for event centers in RS‑40 and agricultural zones, including a minimum lot size of three acres and frontage on a major thoroughfare for those special‑use cases.

Bill Grieco of Land Solutions, speaking on behalf of several landowners, told the council multiple property owners had asked about event‑space opportunities and supported the amendment. “I’d like to point out a couple things. I’ve had multiple landowners approach me about an event space, which is what led to our proposing this text amendment,” Grieco said at the public hearing.

Council members said the requirement that special‑use event centers in RS‑40 must be on at least 3 acres and have major‑thoroughfare access gives substantial protection for neighboring homeowners. Several council members noted that the special‑use permit process is quasi‑judicial and allows council to attach conditions to individual approvals.

The Planning and Zoning Board had reviewed the proposal and unanimously recommended approval. After council discussion, a council member moved to approve the amendments as presented and the motion passed by voice vote.

Council and staff said the new language is intended to provide predictability to landowners while allowing the town to limit impacts through development standards and the special‑use review process. Applications in RS‑40 or agricultural districts will require the special‑use hearing process before council and may include site‑specific conditions.