Planning panel advances Indigo Acres retreat and event center to public hearing with limits on size and frequency

Indigo Acres LLC requested a special‑use permit to construct and operate a retreat and wellness center and associated event venue on three adjacent parcels near 1048 Rock Island Road. The properties total roughly 195 acres and the applicant initially requested a broad set of uses including guest cottages, a lodge, bathhouses, vendor markets, workshops, farm tours, weddings, and up to 2,500 attendees with up to 250 temporary campsites.

Planning staff summarized the application and provided a sample calendar and event frequencies the applicant submitted. Applicant representatives said they plan to “start slow,” that the property is their home and that many proposed operations would be phased in over several years. They confirmed VDOT had given a preliminary approval for a small commercial entrance (staff stated VDOT inspected the site and sent a letter to the applicant and staff). The applicant described…