Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Events Cup Edwards topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission recommends approval of North Hayfield Road event venue with 'no amplified music' condition
Summary
The commission recommended approval of CUP 7‑24 for a 65‑acre venue at 1261 North Hayfield Road, with staff conditions including no amplified music, hours limited to dawn–10 p.m. for seasonal operation and agency reviews; concerns from nearby residents focused on noise, lighting and septic/traffic impacts.
The Frederick County Planning Commission voted on Oct. 2 to recommend approval of Conditional Use Permit 7‑24, which would allow a small‑scale special‑event venue on a 65‑acre parcel at 1261 North Hayfield Road owned by the Lynn Ramey Wolf Trust. Staff presented the application, which proposes a covered pavilion and a 40x60 metal structure to be used as a bridal suite or staging area during inclement weather; the applicant requested 10–20 events per year with 25–100 guests, seasonal operation May through November on weekends, and an explicit statement that no amplified music would be allowed.
Staff recommended conditions including compliance with all review‑agency comments, completion of a VDOT‑required commercial entrance before establishment of the use, hours limited to dawn–10 p.m., and a maximum occupancy consistent with building/health‑agency advice. Commissioners asked staff to confirm portable‑toilet and ADA requirements raised in prior health‑department reviews; staff committed to follow up with the health department and circulate clarification to the commission.
Applicant Brenda Edwards, trustee for the Lynn Ramey Wolf Trust, told the commission she intends a low‑impact, small‑scale venue to provide household income and avoid disturbing neighbors, and that she preferred to wait for a pending zoning amendment that would potentially allow pasture parking rather than permanently gravel a field for parking. Neighbors testified at the hearing: Michael Deal (nearest neighbor) said his daughter has epilepsy and is sensitive to noise and lights and asked the commission to consider noise attenuation and lighting placement; another adjoining neighbor raised traffic, septic and pond‑safety concerns.
During deliberations commissioners noted that the RA district currently lacks a general county noise ordinance and that prohibiting amplified music was a condition that could be enforced via the CUP. The commission moved and seconded a recommendation to approve CUP 7‑24 as presented with staff conditions; a roll call vote was taken and the recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors in November.
Staff said they will confirm health‑department portable‑toilet and ADA requirements and will work with the applicant on final condition wording before the Board hearing.
