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Planning Commission recommends conditional use permit for Purcell event venue with new limits on Sunday use and buffers
Summary
The commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Supervisors for a conditional use permit allowing small-scale events (up to 50 guests) at 5321 Hopewell Road, subject to strengthened conditions including a 50-foot vegetative perimeter buffer (except for access), a five-year sunset if site improvements and conditions are
The New Kent County Planning Commission on Oct. 20, 2025, voted to forward a conditional use permit request from Brian and Stephanie Purcell for a small event venue at 5321 Hopewell Road to the Board of Supervisors with a favorable recommendation and additional conditions intended to reduce neighborhood impacts.
Staff presented the request to use a 4.66-acre A-1 property for outdoor events and a proposed ADA- and fire-code-compliant deck and 20-space gravel parking lot, with portable ADA restroom trailers pumped and removed after each event. "Subject to conditions of approval, staff is recommending approval of this conditional use permit request," Patrick Silva said, noting interdepartmental conditions addressing traffic, restroom sanitation, lighting, noise, and site plan requirements.
Applicants Brian and Stephanie Purcell told the commission the venue would be limited to a maximum of 50 attendees and that they planned to limit on-site parking to 20 spaces. "If I'm notified ahead of time, then maybe I can make arrangements, like, at one of the local churches," Brian Purcell said when asked how he would handle overflow.
Neighbors raised two recurring concerns in public comment: use of adjacent community-center land or driveways for parking during events and potential conflicts with nearby church services. Elaine Johnson said parking during the applicants daughters wedding had used adjacent community property and she was concerned that ad hoc parking on that land would continue. Kelvin Taylor, an adjacent property owner, asked whether parking adjacent to a shared right-of-way could interfere with his access.
In response to neighborhood concerns and to provide clarity about when the venue may operate, commissioners amended staffs recommended conditions. The commission added a condition requiring retention of a 50-foot vegetative buffer around the property perimeter except where walkways and vehicular access are needed; a condition requiring the applicant to notify county staff in writing when CUP conditions and required improvements are completed so staff can verify compliance; and a five-year sunset clause that will cause the CUP to expire if required site improvements and conditions have not been met. The commission also restricted business-related activities so they cannot occur before 2 p.m. on Sundays (the commissions amendment read: "All business related activities are prohibited between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. all days, except for Sundays when activities shall not start until 2 p.m.").
Commissioners said they wanted to balance support for a small local business with protections for neighbors and local institutions. With the added conditions, the Planning Commission voted to forward CUP-125 to the Board of Supervisors with a favorable recommendation.
Vote at a glance: motion to forward CUP-125 with staff conditions and the commissions amendments (50-person cap; 20 on-site parking spaces; 50-foot vegetative buffer; five-year sunset; applicant notice to staff on conditions met) passed with one abstention (Moyer).
