Planning Commission begins drafting rules for event venues and short-term rentals

Chairman James Tharpe opened a discussion under other business about drafting definitions and ordinances to regulate event venues and short-term rentals in Lunenburg County, outlining several issues the commission expects to address.

Tharpe said event-venue ordinances should set boundaries and parameters, require concept plans and site plans, and include permitting and licensing that could address the number of events per year, allowable attendance, and food-service considerations. He noted previous work by the Event Venue Committee and said the commission will review other local ordinances as reference. Tharpe also stated that a conditional use permit should be considered for whether it attaches to the person or the land, and he explicitly said a wedding venue is not considered agritourism.

On short-term rentals, Tharpe emphasized safety requirements such as fire extinguishers and posting emergency services contact numbers. The discussion did not produce ordinance text or votes; commissioners directed committee review and further drafting.