Council approves Fisher Farms interim use permit amendment for permanent event center; conditions on stormwater and parking

The Dayton City Council approved an amendment to the interim use permit for Fisher Farms (16900 North Diamond Lake Road) that will permit a permanent events facility in place of, or in addition to, prior tented event permissions.

Planning staff reviewed the conditions from the 2023 permit and noted outstanding items: completion of a stormwater pond serving the parking area, access from the county road (North Diamond Lake Road) and parking adequacy (the owner estimated up to 500 attendees, which under the events ordinance would equate to 250 parking stalls). Staff told the council the planning commission had recommended approval.

Council members discussed the surface for overflow parking (grass versus improved surfaces), compliance with sprinkling/fire requirements for buildings over 5,000 square feet, and how noise exceptions for amplified outdoor music should be administratively handled (the IUP already requires an emergency plan and gives staff the ability to require more or to shut activities down in response to complaints). Several council members said they preferred an indoor, acoustically controlled option but were comfortable approving the permit provided conditions and monitoring mechanisms were in place.

The motion to approve the amendment and the related permit conditions carried 5–0. Staff will follow up to ensure the stormwater pond and required site improvements are completed before issuing building permits where applicable.