Residents urge Greene County to adopt enforceable agritourism rules after late‑night amplified music incidents

Several residents urged Greene County supervisors to revise the draft agritourism (farm‑winery) ordinance to include enforceable limits on amplified outdoor music, event frequency and attendee caps after a late‑night event that ran from about 8:40 p.m. to after 11 p.m.

Scott Mingledorf described the incident and said decibel‑based ordinances are impractical because they require specialized equipment and trained deputies; he recommended a plainly audible standard used by other Virginia counties. “Other Virginia counties that have experienced this disruption … have responded with ordinances written with more stringent criteria,” Mingledorf said.

Steve Phillips and Kenneth Copeland gave eyewitness accounts and urged that the ordinance include penalties, periodic review and public input prior to approval. Phillips said the event created a carnival atmosphere with lights and amplified music and arrived without notice to neighbors. Kenneth Copeland and other speakers said a community‑draft proposal submitted in June addresses frequency, event size, sound and lighting and should be considered by the board.

Board members acknowledged the complaints and the existence of the draft agritourism ordinance in the June packet; several supervisors said they will review the public proposals and consider stronger, enforceable language to mitigate noise trespass and protect rural character.

No formal ordinance vote occurred at the meeting; public commenters asked the board to prioritize enforceability and clarity in any forthcoming ordinance revision.