Milton planning commission approves reduced footprint for Little River Farms event venue, rescinds older permits

Chairperson Judy Burrows and the Milton Planning Commission on June 25 recommended approval of a revised use permit that reduces the Little River Farms rural event facility from 47.7 acres to 35.87 acres while retaining prior operating limits, and they recommended rescission of two older permits tied to the property.

The commission’s action came after a staff presentation and an applicant hearing on U25-02, the use-permit amendment for the property at 14505 Batesville Road. Robin McDonald, zoning manager for the City of Milton’s Community Development Department, told commissioners the revised site plan (dated May 5) meets the rural event facility standards in UDC section 8.70.1.h and that staff recommends approval with the same conditions previously imposed, including hours of operation, a 250-person attendance cap and noise limits. McDonald said events with more than 75 attendees must provide valet service and a minimum of one off-duty police officer.

Scott Reese, of Royal Reese and Associates, representing the Ivy family and the applicant, said the venue has operated for 11 years without reported incidents and that the amendment would allow the family to retain the core venue while offering a portion of the land for sale. "This is what makes Milton unique," Reese said of the venue. He said the family’s preference is to keep the…