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Planning commission endorses Loblolly event venue CUP with conditions after neighbors raise noise and traffic concerns
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a conditional-use permit for a 20.77-acre event venue (12,580 sq. ft. building, amphitheater, eight cottages) with conditions limiting outdoor events, music hours and requiring a right-turn lane; neighbors cited noise, trespass and traffic worries.
Hanover County planning commissioners recommended approval of a conditional-use permit for a proposed event venue at the end of Whitewater Farm Road, forwarding the matter to the Board of Supervisors with staff-recommended and updated conditions.
Todd Rogers, the applicant, described a 12,580-square-foot event facility, an outdoor amphitheater with a 200–290 seat capacity, and eight on-site cottages limited to 800 square feet and 30-day rentals. He asked the commission to consider excluding short wedding ceremonies from the cap on outdoor events. "We would not want those the the actual ceremonies, which typically last 30 to 45 minutes, to count towards our limitations on the number of outdoor events," Rogers said.
Staff recommended 13 conditions to address resident concerns, including limits on outdoor events (no more than 40 per year, six per month, and one per day), outdoor music hours (12 p.m.–8 p.m. after applicant revisions), a maximum of two amplified instruments in the amphitheater, preservation of specified tree areas, and a required right-turn lane on Chamberlain Road to be constructed by the first user. Staff also clarified setup/cleanup may occur within 90 minutes before and after event hours but outdoor setup may not begin before 8 a.m.
Nearby residents who spoke at the public hearing urged the commission to reject the permit or tighten conditions. Josh Davis, whose property is adjacent to the site, said the cottages and event activity would intrude on a previously rural/residential area and asked that the site be considered for residential use instead. "I do respectfully request that the Planning Commission reject this proposal and that it return to the possible residential uses that it was originally zoned for," Davis said.
Other neighbors cited traffic congestion near Oak Knoll Middle School and Hanover High School, stormwater and trespass concerns and asked for clear, enforceable limits on amplified sound and on-site management. The applicant said buffers, preserved wetlands, underground stormwater storage and on-site staffing will mitigate impacts; he said the nearest house is about 830 feet from the venue and that cottages will be managed as part of the facility.
After questions and discussion, a motion to approve the CUP with the updated conditions passed with no opposition. The commission’s vote is a recommendation; the Board of Supervisors will make the final decision at its next meeting.
