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Commissioners deny conditional-use permit for special events facility on Highway 36 after neighbor opposition
Summary
A conditional-use permit (CUP24-000014) to operate a special events/agritourism facility at 13793 Highway 36 was denied following strong opposition from multiple adjacent residents who raised concerns about noise, security, alcohol and frequency of events.
The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted on April 1 to deny a conditional-use permit for a proposed special events and agritourism facility at 13793 Highway 36.
Planning staff described the property as 36.05 acres with existing farm buildings and a recently built farmhouse; the petition asked to allow private gatherings, educational agritourism programs and small receptions. Staff cited section 510-595 (special events facilities) and recommended conditions including limits on occupancy set by the fire marshal, environmental health approval prior to licensing, a 55-foot transitional fence buffer adjacent to residential property, and a requirement that outside events end at 11 p.m., not including cleanup.
Applicants Ronnie and Roshell Rochelle said the property would host family-focused agritourism, educational programs and small private events and emphasized distances to nearest neighbors. "We are committed to preserving the natural beauty of our land while offering a destination that benefits local businesses," Ronnie Rochelle said.
Multiple adjacent neighbors testified in opposition, saying they had not been consulted, that there was no perimeter fencing to prevent guests from crossing onto neighboring yards, and raising concerns about alcohol, unruly behavior, firearms and late-night cleanup after events. Beverly Douglas said she feared guests "would come on our yard" and asked, "What if they're drunk?" Several neighbors said they have young children and expressed safety and security concerns.
Commissioner Edwards moved to deny the conditional-use permit, citing concerns about creating an island of commercial activity in an agricultural-residential zone and the applicants' limited on-site presence. The motion to deny carried; the vote included an abstention by a commissioner who disclosed a conflict of interest.
Why it matters: Neighbors said they were blindsided by the application and worried about changes to a rural residential area. The denial preserves the property's agricultural-residential regulatory status and underscores the board’s sensitivity to neighbor objections about noise, security and frequency of events.
What’s next: Applicants may revise the proposal, address neighbors’ concerns (security plans, formal buffers or restricted frequency), and resubmit, or pursue other lawful uses consistent with the agricultural-residential zoning.
