Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the CUP Wolf Ramey topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors raise septic and traffic concerns as board approves Gainsborough event venue with parking protections
Summary
After neighbors raised runoff, septic and early‑hour noise concerns, the Board of Supervisors approved CUP 07‑24 for Brenda Edwards (Wolf/Lynn Ramey Trust) but added a 25‑foot parking setback and a physical barrier to protect an adjacent septic system.
The Frederick County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 13 approved Conditional Use Permit 07‑24 (Wolf/Lynn Ramey Trust), authorizing a special‑event facility at 1261 North Hayfield Road in the Gainsborough Magisterial District, subject to site‑specific conditions added by the board after neighbor testimony.
Neighbors told the board they were worried that a proposed parking area sits near an approved septic system and that gravel or runoff could damage the alternative system. One nearby resident said the septic field was sited within 5 feet of a property line under a prior approval and said significant runoff in storm events had previously flooded the area.
Brenda Edwards, trustee and applicant, described the property as family land used for cattle and hay since the 1800s and said she sought to supplement the parcel’s income by hosting weddings, wellness events and other gatherings. Edwards said she solicited and would comply with departmental comments and asked to be a good neighbor.
Staff and supervisors discussed VDOT entrance‑upgrade requirements, health‑department septic siting rules and ordinance parking requirements that normally prohibit parking within five feet of a property line. Planning staff recommended a condition exceeding typical rural setbacks: parking areas must be set back 25 feet from adjoining properties and include physical barriers at the end of parking areas to prevent vehicles from crossing onto neighboring land or septic fields. A county planning attorney confirmed the board could add such conditions and staff said they would finalize precise language with the applicant.
Supervisor Lockridge moved to approve the CUP with the setback and barrier conditions; the motion passed by roll call. Staff noted the CUP also includes typical conditions such as review of agency comments, VDOT‑required commercial entrance improvements and limits on events and hours. The planning commission had previously recommended approval with conditions including hours of operation (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.), Friday–Sunday operation and a stated intent of no amplified music.
The board directed planning staff to work with the applicant to finalize the written permit conditions; staff listed a December deadline to record the final language. The permit will not be effective until staff confirms compliance with the conditions and required improvements.
