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City council approves Wild Acres motocross training conditional use permit, 9–1, with conditions
Summary
After public testimony from the property owners and multiple supporters, the council approved a conditional use permit for Wild Acres Farm to host youth dirt‑bike training with conditions including limits on attendance, hours of operation, a prohibition on competitions, insurance, and parking restrictions.
The Virginia Beach City Council approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for Wild Acres Farm to operate a youth motocross training facility on agricultural property by a 9–1 vote. The permit was approved with conditions intended to limit size and impacts: limited camp frequency, a student cap, hours of operation, no amplified music or outdoor lighting, no competitions, parking controls, and insurance requirements.
What passed: Councilmember Henley led a presentation of recommended conditions drawn from the planning commission’s recommendation; after discussion the motion passed 9–1. The formal conditions attached to the CUP include (summary): no more than 21 camps per calendar year; no more than 25 students on site at any time; lessons limited to two small‑group lessons per week with no more than five children per lesson and lessons concluding by 8 p.m.; hours of operation for camps and lessons 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; no amplified music or outdoor lighting associated with the facility; portable restrooms only during events and removed afterward; designated parking per the approved site plan and no overnight parking for non‑bike vehicles; attendees responsible for bikes and equipment (applicant asked for limited on‑site secure bike storage); prohibition on competitions or similar events on the property; proof of liability insurance of at least $1,000,000; and an administrative renewal process after one year if no substantiated complaints are filed (otherwise council review).
Why this mattered: The application prompted extensive public testimony from motocross families, local business owners, and neighbors. Supporters described youth development, life skills and confidence gained through riding and training and said the facility would provide a closer, safer training option than distant public tracks. Opponents (written comments received before the meeting) had raised concerns about noise, land‑use compatibility with agricultural zoning, and potential events; council members debated enforceability, parking, and the appropriate post‑approval review period.
Quotes and applicant response: Owner Summer Brown told council the project is focused on youth safety and training and said the weekly informal gatherings ("Moto Monday") have attracted roughly 20 children without neighbor complaints. Her husband Mark Brown described the program as a "T‑ball of motocross" emphasizing fundamentals and safety training for young riders. The Browns asked staff to allow onsite bike storage for visiting riders; council adopted a condition restricting overnight parking for non‑bike vehicles while permitting reasonable secure storage discussions consistent with the CUP’s limits.
Vote record: Council voted 9 in favor and 1 opposed. The roll call recorded Ayes from: Baluchi, Cummings, Hutchison, Jackson Green, Remick, Ross Hammond, Schulman, Vice Mayor Wilson and Mayor Dyer; Councilmember Henley voted No.
Implementation: The CUP includes an initial one‑year period after which staff may administratively renew the permit if there are no substantiated complaints or violations; otherwise council must rehear the use. The applicant and several neighbors told council they will continue to coordinate on erosion controls, driveway improvements and parking, and the applicant said she will obtain required liability insurance and submit required site/erosion plans.
