Shenandoah County OKs rodeo special-use permit with limits on large events

Shenandoah County supervisors on Sept. 23 unanimously approved Special Use Permit 25-09-01 to allow rodeo and agritourism events on roughly 49.891 acres along Battlefield Road.

Planning staff recommended a limit of 12 events annually, with only two events granted a temporary increase to 1,500 attendees and the other 10 capped at 500, a condition supervisors incorporated into approval. "The recommendation was for 12 events total like had previously been approved, but only 2 of those would be allowed to have that 1,500 person increase," said the county planner (speaker 8).

Board members pressed the applicant and staff on compliance and advance notice. "The 500 count was not economically feasible," said a board member (speaker 4), summarizing the applicant's assertion about event viability. Supervisors emphasized that any change above permitted levels must come before the board: they said applicants should request permission in advance rather than assume larger crowds. One supervisor told the applicant: "If you need more time, don't take two years the next time before you come and ask." (speaker 1).

No members of the public spoke during the public hearing portion of this agenda item. After the discussion and confirmation of conditions from planning staff, the board voted by roll call; Supervisors Taylor, Baker, Ferguson, Morris and Stevens were recorded as voting 'Aye,' and the motion passed unanimously.

The permit includes the planning commission and staff recommendations as conditions. Supervisors and staff agreed to monitor compliance and return to the board if permit conditions are not met. The approval allows the applicant to proceed under the stated conditions; the board did not amend the limit structure during the meeting.