Chino Valley commission backs Olsen Events permit with limits on night events, noise and motorsports

On March 4, 2025, the Chino Valley Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation that the Town Council approve Conditional Use Permit CUP2024-05 for Olsen Events, the arena and event operations located at 34344 South State Route 89. The permit would formally recognize an arena established in 2017 and allow additional activities including community gatherings, weddings, dog-adoption and competition events, and limited dirt-bike “barrel races,” subject to conditions on event counts, hours, noise, lighting and access.

Town staff presented the application. Will Dingey, assistant director of Development Services, told commissioners the property is roughly 12 acres split between Commercial Light zoning and Agricultural Residential-5 (AR-5). He reviewed the site history: Olsen’s began operations without a CUP in 2017; Town Council approved a separate electronic sign CUP in 2018; lighting permits were processed in 2023; staff received the first complaint in summer 2023; and Olsen approached the town in 2024 seeking expansion that prompted staff to require a conditional use permit.

Staff described the CUP as having two parts: (1) establish the arena as a conforming use on the parcel and (2) expand the list of allowed public events. The application included a proposed site plan with two access points off West Road 1 South, a main arena with six light poles, covered seating, ADA restrooms, parking and an overflow arena. ADOT prohibits general public access from the State Route 89 driveway; the eastern easement will be reserved for emergency access during events. Olsen’s uses dust mitigation with an on-site water truck, and staff said they verified the applicant’s lighting and sound mitigation measures during multiple site visits.

Staff recommended conditions limiting total events to 90 per calendar year (January 1…