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Board approves assembly-hall special-exception permit at 15901 5 Forks Road with guest limit increased to 100
Summary
The Board granted a special-exception permit to Weston and Laurie Hendon to operate an assembly-hall use at 15901 5 Forks Road (SEP2024-07), with conditions including a maximum of 100 guests and no annual cap on events; staff conditions requiring parking plans, VDOT review and health review remain in place.
The Amelia County Board of Supervisors approved Special Exception Permit SEP2024-07, allowing an assembly-hall use on the Hendons' property at 15901 5 Forks Road, subject to conditions recommended by staff and modified by the board.
Planning staff said the property sits in the RR-3 (rural residential) zoning district, where an assembly hall is permitted by special exception. Staff recommended approval with six conditions, including development generally in conformance with the site plan, a limit of 75 guests per event, a cap of 24 events per calendar year, hours restrictions, administrative inspections and required permits (zoning and building). The planning commission recommended approval but suggested increasing the guest limit to 100 and removing the 24-events-per-year cap.
During public comment, neighbors and supporters said the proposed use would bring modest event business (weddings, reunions and similar gatherings) and benefit local restaurants and lodging. Applicant Weston Hendon described existing pavilions and tent sites on the property and said the intent is to host small, well-managed events. Tony Winstead, who said he lives in the general area, told the board he supported the special exception for business growth that preserves rural character.
After discussion, the board approved the permit with two specific changes from staff's recommended conditions: the board raised the maximum number of guests to 100 and removed the proposed limit of 24 events per calendar year; the remaining staff conditions — including hours restrictions, requirement for a parking plan ensuring no parking in the right-of-way, VDOT ingress/egress review and Department of Health review — remain in effect. The board also required the applicant to obtain zoning and building permits before commencement and to allow reasonable administrative inspections with seven days' notice.
A supervisor making the motion said the modification on event limits was to provide flexibility while preserving standards for ingress, parking and noise. The applicant said existing site improvements and multiple access points provide adequate parking and circulation; the applicant also said he would pursue building permits if he later constructs a permanent pavilion to reduce reliance on tents.
The motion to approve the special exception (as modified) passed by voice vote; individual roll-call votes were not recorded in the provided transcript.
