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Frederick County planning commission backs special‑events permit for Robbie Moulden with limits on music and number of events
Summary
The commission recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit 6‑24 for an event venue at 230 Independence Lane, with conditions limiting amplified music to 10 a.m.–10 p.m., capping music events at four per year and allowing up to 14 other weddings/special events (18 events total); the recommendation goes to the Board of Supervisors in November.
The Frederick County Planning Commission on Oct. 2 recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 6‑24, allowing an existing barn on three parcels at 230 Independence Lane to operate as a special‑event facility with conditions to limit noise and the annual number of music events. The motion to recommend approval carried unanimously and the item will be forwarded to the Board for a November hearing.
Staff described the proposal as using an existing barn with tents as needed, hosting about 12–18 special events per year including weddings, private parties and music events, and a maximum attendance the applicant proposed up to 500 people for music events. Staff recommended standard conditions (agency reviews, VDOT commercial entrance installed prior to establishment of use) and suggested hours and event caps. Zoning staff noted a county zoning requirement that parking and travel aisles be graveled, portable restrooms be screened, and structures be approved by building inspections; the commission refined those recommendations during debate.
Neighbors and commissioners pressed repeatedly on noise, traffic and the ambiguity around multi‑day events. Commissioner Thomas said he was surprised that VDOT’s comments focused on sight distance for the entrance and did not address road capacity; staff confirmed VDOT required a full commercial entrance but had not raised a capacity objection. Several commissioners said a 500‑person cap and the possibility of multi‑day festivals could create safety and noise concerns around camping and overnight stays. The zoning administrator told the commission the ordinance allows events lasting one to three days, and overnight camping for an event would be permissible where health‑department temporary camping standards are met but the CUP would not establish the property as a long‑term campground.
Robbie Moulden, the applicant and a long‑time property owner who identified himself as also serving on the Planning Commission, said the 500‑person figure reflected previous charitable events he had produced and that tickets and gated entrances would be used to control numbers. “Yes, that’s no problem at all. I think the 3 to 4 music events a year is fine,” Moulden said when commissioners proposed limiting the number of music events.
After extended discussion the commission settled on a set of conditions staff agreed to refine in writing: amplified music limited to 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; no more than four music events annually; up to 14 additional weddings or regular special events (total not to exceed 18 events per year); demonstration of the VDOT‑required commercial entrance on the illustrative sketch plan and completion of required entrance improvements prior to establishment of the use; and a condition tied to parcel transfer so the CUP’s applicability would be revisited if the ownership or parcel configuration changed. The commission moved and seconded a recommendation reflecting those conditions and recorded an affirmative roll call; staff said the item will proceed to the Board of Supervisors in November.
The commission’s recommendation is advisory; implementation will depend on Board action and any further refinements to the wording of conditions between staff, the applicant and county legal counsel.
