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Board approves Russell Valley Farm special‑event permit with conditions on lighting, play area and outdoor music
Summary
The Frederick County Board of Supervisors on April 9 approved a conditional use permit allowing Russell Valley Farm LLC to operate a special‑event facility on Apple Pie Ridge Road, adding conditions to limit lighting and to restrict outdoor amplified music to wedding ceremonies.
The Frederick County Board of Supervisors approved Conditional Use Permit 02‑25 for Russell Valley Farm LLC on April 9, allowing the operation of a special‑event facility on a 66‑acre property on Apple Pie Ridge Road in the Gainsborough magisterial district.
The planning staff presentation said the applicant proposed year‑round operation from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a maximum of 150 occupants and up to 100 events per year. The Planning Commission recommended approval with modified conditions; the proposed conditions included a site plan approval, portable restrooms, limits on event numbers and hours, and a prohibition on outdoor amplified music as recommended by the Planning Commission.
Neighbors at the public hearing raised noise, lighting, traffic and alcohol enforcement concerns and questioned the sufficiency of screening, soundproofing and the adequacy of enforcement. Several neighbors said the venue is closer to existing homes than the application stated and requested stronger restrictions on hours, amplified music and lighting.
In response, supervisors and staff negotiated amendments to the Planning Commission conditions before voting. The board adopted the CUP with three substantive additional conditions: that all lighting be downcast to avoid glare onto adjacent properties and residences; that any child play area be defined and limited as an accessory to the special‑event facility (not a standalone commercial attraction such as a miniature‑golf course) with no additional lighting required; and that the prohibition on outdoor amplified music be modified to allow an exception for amplified sound used solely for wedding ceremonies (the board discussed enforcement options and complaint‑driven monitoring for any violations).
Other conditions carried from the Planning Commission recommendation include a maximum of 100 events annually, hours of operation from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., a 150‑person cap, site plan approval before operation, requirement for portable restrooms, and the condition that any expansion or change of use would require a new CUP.
The board voted unanimously to approve the CUP with the added amendments. Roll call: Supervisor Leerro — aye; Supervisor Lockridge — aye; Vice Chair — aye; Supervisor Wells — aye; Supervisor Dunn — aye; Supervisor Jewell — aye; Chair — aye.
Ending: The permit approval is subject to the site plan and the enumerated conditions; any change to the use (for example, adding a separate commercial attraction) would require the applicant to seek a new conditional use review.
