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Planning commission approves Danford Lane event venue with landscaping and fencing conditions
Summary
A conditional use permit for a 99-person commercial recreation venue at 58 Danford Lane in Eden Rapids Township was approved with a requirement for an updated site plan showing split-rail fencing, targeted privacy fencing, and at least six Norway spruces along the west property line; staff will review the final plan.
The Eaton County Planning Commission on Sept. 2 approved a conditional use permit allowing Michael Risco and Nadia Visvet (applicants) to operate a commercial recreation facility — an event venue with a maximum occupancy of 99 people — at 58 Danford Lane in Eden Rapids Township.
Staff reported the 18.95-acre property is zoned Limited Agricultural and that the proposal includes operating hours of 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week, parking for 25–26 vehicles, a proposed new septic system and drain field, and an upgraded Danford Lane entrance. Staff noted the Eaton County Road Commission later advised the Danford Lane approach at Island Highway does not meet current commercial driveway standards and recommended reconstruction and a commercial driveway permit; the applicants say they plan to meet those requirements.
The proposal drew written input from adjacent neighbors Kyle and Shay David, who preferred natural landscaping supplemented by targeted fencing rather than a continuous 7-foot privacy fence. The applicants said they were amenable and proposed a modest L-shaped privacy fence near the barn to screen equipment and requested a slightly longer privacy section near the asphalt drive to increase safety for the neighbor’s young children.
Eden Rapids Township Supervisor Scott Wilson spoke in favor of the project and described the township’s interest in balancing privacy and scenic views. The township board had recommended fencing and landscaping but indicated flexibility on specific measures.
Commissioners and staff discussed fence lengths and agreed that an updated site plan showing the fencing and landscaping is necessary to provide an enforcement mechanism for future owners. The commission’s approval included an amendment detailing: split-rail fencing along most of the south side with approximately one-quarter (about 45 feet) being privacy fence; up to 105 feet of privacy fencing along the east side to cover the asphalt, garage and equipment; and a minimum planting of six Norway spruce trees along the west property line.
The motion to approve CU-9-25-6, amended to include the fencing and landscaping conditions and to require an updated site plan for staff review, passed by roll call with all commissioners present voting yes. Staff will review and approve the final site plan before issuance of any permits.
