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Miami County OKs Banuelos Ranch conditional use permit for equestrian events after 4-1 vote
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners approved a conditional use permit for Banuelos Ranch to host up to five equestrian/rodeo-style events a year, with conditions on hours, noise, road improvements and dust control. The approval required a four-of-five vote because of a valid protest petition.
The Miami County Board of County Commissioners on April 30 approved a conditional use permit for the Banuelos Ranch Oopram Arena to hold up to five equestrian and rodeo‑style events a year, voting 4‑1 to grant the permit despite a valid protest petition that required a four‑fifths majority.
The permit limits events to a maximum of five per year, one day per month from April through October, and hours of operation from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The board adopted a set of conditions requiring road improvements, replacement of culverts and annual dust control at the property entrance, and screening along the property line.
Kenny Cook of the Miami County Planning Department summarized the Planning Commission history and the recommended conditions. He said, “the events shall be limited to a maximum of 5 events per year, 1 day per month, from April through October, from 1PM to 9PM.” Cook told commissioners the Planning Commission remanded the item after an initial recommendation of denial and later returned a recommendation of approval, 6‑3, with 10 findings in support and several added conditions. He also noted the resolution sets a 70‑decibel limit at the property line: “The the current resolution specifies a 70 decibel 70. Limit at the property line.”
Commissioners discussed enforcement and practical limits. Planning staff told the board that measuring noise during weekend events can be difficult because county staff do not typically work Saturdays; the department has used phone apps for on‑site readings in past events but acknowledged that professional sound technicians and meters provide the most reliable measurements.
Cook described access and road requirements the applicants must satisfy: culvert replacements, widening some segments to about 22 feet from Hedge Lane to the entrance, and coordination with the county road and bridge department on inspections. The resolution also requires planting evergreen trees every 25 feet for screening adjacent to the facility.
Applicant Ophelia Banuelos said she and her team are prepared to meet the conditions. “Yes. Yes. And we talk we have an engineering already, so we have some quotes and all that kind of stuff. So we're gonna work with Katie and the Rowing Bridal just to make sure we have everything in place,” Banuelos told the board.
The board moved to approve the permit with those conditions. The motion was made by Commissioner Vaughn and seconded by Commissioner Scruggs; the roll call was 4 yes, 1 no. Because a valid protest petition covering more than the minimum area had been filed, the county required a four‑fifths affirmative vote for approval; the motion met that threshold and passed.
Planning staff also noted that building‑code inspections and approvals will be required for viewing platforms and other structures on the site before those structures can be used.
The permit takes effect as conditioned; the county will monitor compliance and property owners may register complaints that could prompt further review or enforcement actions by planning staff.
