Planning board reviews draft standards for rural event venues; parking, noise and setbacks cited as concerns

Moore County planning staff presented a proposed text amendment to add a "rural event venue" use to the RA zoning district at the April 1 Planning Board work session. The draft would create a permitted-by-right use for public or private events such as weddings, receptions and corporate functions on rural properties that meet detailed standards.

Under the draft standards discussed, a rural event venue would require a minimum lot size of 10 acres, lighting consistent with Highway Corridor Overlay District dark‑sky standards, a parking provision of at least one off‑street parking space for every four persons at full occupancy, a Type 3 landscape screen along side and rear lot lines, building and parking setbacks of at least 100 feet from residentially zoned property and 50 feet from nonresidentially zoned property, and compliance with the North Carolina State Building Code and fire prevention code. Accessory uses could include the owner's primary residence, up to two additional single‑family dwellings used as overnight guest accommodations (not including RVs or tents), bridal suites and limited warming kitchens for plated food prepared offsite.

"So this is something completely separate from Bonafide Farm," a staff member said, noting the use would not replace bonafide farm allowances and the standards were developed with Environmental Health, central inspections and reference to an American Planning Association guidance document included in the meeting packet.

Board members raised multiple concerns. Several asked how noise would be handled; staff said events must follow the county noise ordinance and that enforcement is managed by the sheriff's department, with an 11:00 p.m. cutoff mentioned during the discussion. Members worried that an event on a narrow 10‑acre parcel could place a building closer to neighbors than intended and suggested larger building setbacks or occupancy/square‑footage limits to address noise, traffic and visual impacts.

Board members also questioned the parking standard (one space per four persons), calling it light and suggesting alternatives such as parking tied to square footage or more conservative per‑person ratios. Staff noted that permanent venues would be required to provide accessible parking and that Environmental Health would regulate temporary sanitation for events.

Staff said the county could not bring the draft forward immediately if a state law restricting "downzoning" remains in force. "If this change would be considered down zoning and so we can't take it forward, not at this time," a staff member said, adding that if the state bill is lifted they would return the amendment for formal consideration.

Staff also reported one prospective applicant whose parcel on Peace Road totals 36 acres and who indicated a desire to host 60 to 120 guests; staff said that applicant would need to pursue a conditional rezoning under current rules if she seeks to proceed before any new county text amendment is adopted.

No formal vote was taken. Staff asked board members for feedback on setbacks, parking, occupancy limits, tent/temporary event treatment, food‑truck allowances and whether to prohibit tents, and said they will return with revised draft language if and when state law permits proceeding.