Planning commission recommends conditional use permit for event facility at Baltimore Road with limits on motorsports, concerts

The Dinwiddie County Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a conditional use permit (C‑25‑1) to allow use of about 50 acres at 17684 Baltimore Road as an event facility, provided staff works with the applicant to tighten conditions to exclude motorsports and concerts, clarify hours of operation and require state compliance for outdoor camping.

Staff told commissioners the property is zoned A‑2 (Agricultural General) and that an event facility is permitted only with a conditional use permit. Planner Mark Bassett said the parcel (tax map parcel 60‑7‑1) includes the applicant’s residence and about 50 acres of farmland and timberland nearby, and that the Virginia Department of Transportation raised no objection but noted a commercial entrance may be required depending on event traffic.

The decision matters because the permit would allow a range of commercial events on land that is otherwise agricultural. Bassett told the commission that staff drafted conditions covering permitted activities, parking, driveway standards, sanitary approvals, lighting, noise, a permanent 50‑foot forested buffer measured inward from exterior property lines, an annual staff review of the permit and revocation authority for the Board of Supervisors.

Commissioners asked for narrower wording after raising concerns that the permit’s current language would allow large concerts, motorsports or “mud bogs.” Commissioner Titmus said the wording as drafted “opens it up to other events,” and asked staff to work with the applicant to “exclude events like motorsports, concerts, things of that nature.” The motion recommended approval to the Board with that direction.

The conditions agreed on in the planning session include: - Use limited to an event facility located on tax map parcel 60‑7‑1; the condition as amended will exclude use of the dwelling (the residence is on a different tax parcel). - All parking to be located on the property; no parking along Baltimore Road. - Driveway entrance must meet VDOT design and construction standards; a commercial entrance may be required depending on event size. - Outdoor activities for the event facility to be conducted between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., with staff to clarify that this hour restriction applies to event activities. - Temporary, ancillary outdoor camping allowed only in compliance with applicable county and state requirements; staff emphasized that state permits may be required. - Security: costs for sheriff’s deputies providing event security would be the applicant’s responsibility. - Events that draw more than 300 persons at one time will be subject to the county’s special events code as amended.

Applicant Carrie Emerson, who identified her address as 17684 Baltimore Road, told the commission she intends to host smaller-scale activities such as horse shows, a monthly farm swap/market and occasional farm tours and that she “will never have a concert there. Like I said, I don't like people that much.” Emerson also said vendors and visiting horses will have required health documentation; she said horses will present a negative Coggins test and that she would require birds to have certificates if brought to markets.

Commissioners and staff agreed to finalize specific exclusion language before the application goes to the Board of Supervisors and to return the revised conditions in the staff report. The planning commission moved to recommend C‑25‑1 to the Board with staff working with the applicant to address changes to condition 1 (scope of events), condition 6 (hours/activities) and condition 7 (camping/state compliance). The motion was seconded and the commission recommended the permit to the Board.

The planning staff advised the applicant that the Board of Supervisors hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, at 7 p.m., and urged the applicant to meet with staff before that meeting to finalize wording.

Votes and formal outcome: the Planning Commission recommended approval of conditional use permit C‑25‑1 to the Board of Supervisors with the changes and direction to staff described above. The planning record shows the recommendation passed with all members present voting in favor.

The Board of Supervisors will consider the permit at its hearing; staff will supply the Board with revised conditions after meeting with the applicant and legal staff.