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Elbert County approves The Patch special-use permit to host year-round events with conditions
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners approved a special-use-by-review for The Patch (SUR2024-7360), allowing a range of seasonal events on a roughly 110-acre site on the south side of Highway 86, subject to required permits, a traffic review requirement and other conditions.
Elbert County commissioners voted to approve a special-use-by-review (SUR2024-7360) for The Patch, a long-running family amusement operation on the south side of Highway 86, allowing the site to host a mix of seasonal events year-round. The board approved the permit with specified conditions after staff presentation, applicant testimony and public comment.
The Patch owners Dustin Smith and his wife, Kathy, told the board their operation — best known for a fall pumpkin patch and corn maze — has expanded since 2017 and now employs roughly 75 part‑time and three to four full‑time staff. The applicants asked for an SUR because temporary-use permits previously restricted the pumpkin patch to 60 days a year; an SUR would allow additional activities such as Easter events, summer nights, movie nights, a Christmas light drive‑through and private events including weddings.
Staff planner Jennifer (last name not specified) summarized the request…
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