Polk County commissioners rule private Renaissance Fair fits county ‘fairground’ zoning
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Summary
Polk County commissioners unanimously approved a staff recommendation that the zoning term “fairground” can include privately held events such as a proposed Renaissance Fair in the county’s Public Amusement and Recreation zone.
Polk County commissioners unanimously approved an interpretation on Nov. 12, 2025 that the county zoning term “fairground,” as used in Polk County Zoning Ordinance (PCZO) chapter 170, may encompass privately held events such as a proposed Renaissance Fair in the Public Amusement and Recreation (PA) zone. The vote followed a presentation by Hannah Brickner, senior planner with the Polk County Community Development Department, and questions from commissioners.
Brickner told the board staff had been asked to clarify whether the PCZO definition of fairground was intended to allow privately held fairgrounds. “Specifically, SAF requests the board to clarify if fairground as it is used in chapter 170 of the Polk County Zoning Ordinance is intended to allow privately held fairgrounds such as the Renaissance Fair that is being proposed by the applicant,” Brickner said, citing PCZO chapter 170 and PCZO sections 1.11040 and 1.11050.
Commissioners expressed general support for a broad interpretation in this instance. Commissioner 3 said the term "fairground" is descriptive and not limited to public ownership and moved to approve the interpretation; Commissioner 2 seconded the motion. Commissioner 1 raised questions about future consequences of applying the interpretation more widely, particularly whether short-term camping associated with events could create unforeseen entitlements.
County staff responded that the similar-use review is designed to assess whether particular activities are "normally associated" with a fair and necessary sideboards can be applied to a specific proposal. A county staff member said the memo provided sufficient detail for this application and that, "I will, based on the direction from this board ... make a determination as to whether or not their specific proposal is in fact this use or substantially similar and make that decision on the facts that they present to us." The staff member also noted that RV parks and long-term residential uses remain distinct regulatory categories under state law and that camping tied directly to a short-term event is not the same as permitting an RV park.
The board approved the interpretation by unanimous voice vote after the motion, moved by Commissioner 3 and seconded by Commissioner 2. The formal vote recorded three ayes and no noes. Commissioners asked staff to apply the similar-use process and to set appropriate conditions or findings when reviewing any specific proposal for a privately held fairground.
The meeting also included routine business: approval of the agenda, minutes and consent calendar, and recognition of county employees including Robin DeForest (30 years, General Services), Jacob Lacombe (10 years, Sheriff’s Office) and Patricia Perez (10 years). The board adjourned after declining to enter executive session.
What happens next: staff will apply the county’s similar-use procedure when a specific application for the Renaissance Fair or other privately held fairground is filed so the board and staff can identify appropriate limits, conditions and any required permits.
