Staff presented two separate special-exception requests for the same 46.52-acre parcel: an agricultural-tourism classification for seasonal, farm-related visitor activities and a retreat/event-venue classification for an assembly structure and related activities. Staff said the parcel meets the minimum acreage test (minimum 15 acres for agricultural tourism) but flagged access as a concern because the property is not on a collector or arterial road and therefore requires an access and traffic analysis.

The staff summary noted the number of proposed events (15–20 per year) and discussed capacity. Staff observed the zoning-resolution standards list a maximum-attendance threshold of 300 but the site plan indicates 150; staff flagged the difference and said the BZA may impose conditions to limit impacts. The traffic study recommended widening Giles Lane and providing an 8-foot width and fresh paving from Gibbs Lane to Terrapin Private Run, and recommended the applicant submit construction plans and an internal circulation plan that facilitates emergency ingress/egress.

The applicant’s representative (who said he was representing client Chris) told the board the farm is active — "They harvest hay every year. They have horses, a total of 7" — and described operational plans for events: security at the head of the driveway and on the property during events, temporary parking on grass with a striped layout shown for internal circulation, and use of portable restroom trailers for assembly events. The representative also said deeded easement rights and prior Chancery-court arrangements provide access across adjacent property (111 Giles Lane) to the private run that serves the site.

During questioning members pressed for details on road width and whether the county would require pavement improvements. The representative said the owner has authority from adjacent owners to make access improvements if needed and that there are existing places along the private drive to maneuver vehicles; he added that the owner utilizes the property for farm activities and that event traffic would be temporary. The representative displayed a striped parking diagram and said, "there's enough space out there to park 1000 cars. We're not gonna do that," signaling the difference between theoretical capacity and proposed event scale.

A board member moved to approve the retreat special-exception per the example motion (approval with conditions); the record in the transcript shows the motion but not a vote tally or final action. Staff reminded the board that permits granted under this classification are typically time-limited and renewable (two-year permit with renewal process). If approved, staff signaled the BZA could impose conditions addressing traffic management, emergency access signage, parking/striping, security, limits on the number of events and maximum attendance, and required construction plans tied to the traffic study recommendations.