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Powhatan planners back zoning change to let rural event venue standards be adjusted in CUPs
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended forwarding a zoning text amendment that would let certain rural event‑venue standards (noise, setbacks and similar controls) be modified through the conditional‑use process while preserving a 10‑acre minimum lot size; proponents told commissioners tailored amplified‑sound and siting rules would help viable local venues.
The Planning Commission on Sept. 2 recommended that the Board of Supervisors consider a zoning text amendment allowing limited flexibility in rural event‑venue standards through the conditional‑use‑permit (CUP) process.
Staff proposed adding language to the rural event‑venue standards (case 25‑10‑ZA) permitting modification of standards 2–5 — which include maximum combined floor area, outdoor‑use setbacks and similar siting restrictions — as part of a CUP review, while retaining a minimum 10‑acre lot size requirement. The amendment would not automatically modify existing CUPs; any operator seeking changes would need to apply.
Margaret Keck, a landowner who said she intends to pursue an event permit on her 500‑acre property, asked commissioners to allow site‑ and time‑specific amplified‑sound conditions tailored to large, remote parcels. Commissioners suggested objective limits (hours, decibel measurements or location‑based restrictions) could be included in future CUPs to balance event uses and neighbor impacts.
The commission voted to forward the proposed amendment with its recommendation; the Board of Supervisors will conduct the ordinance amendment public hearing and final action.
Next steps: staff will forward the amendment packet to the Board for its public hearing and possible adoption. Local applicants will still need to secure a CUP and meet any conditions applied by the county.
