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Owner of Gathering Barn seeks event-venue approval; county requires engineer sign‑offs, parking, septic and fire plans
Summary
Stephanie Moss asked the county to allow her existing 60x40 barn to operate as a small event venue (about 100 people). County staff said the building needs structural-engineer sign-off, stamped MEP/architectural plans, fire and life‑safety plans, an accessible parking plan, and ADH/septic confirmation; 9‑1‑1 assigned a new address (11397 Mill Dam Road) for emergency dispatch.
Stephanie Moss presented an already‑built 60-by-40 barn located near Mill Dam Road and asked the county for review and approval to operate it as a small event venue. Moss said the barn seats roughly 100 people in its assembly area and already contains two restrooms and a small kitchenette intended for caterers.
Staff from building safety said the structure as-built requires an engineer’s signoff and stamped MEP and architectural plans because construction and interior work exceeded the original scope of the project; building safety will need documentation that the structure and its systems meet code. The county’s fire marshal advised a fire and life‑safety plan showing exits and extinguisher placement and noted emergency‑exit doors must swing outward with panic hardware where required. On-site and nearby hydrant distance was discussed; the volunteer fire department can waive or provide tanker/drafting arrangements if hydrants are beyond typical spacing limits.
911 staff assigned the venue a separate address for emergency response (11397 Mill Dam Road) and recommended applicants use that number on permits. Planning and road staff outlined parking and access expectations: the owner should show a parking layout (30 10x20 spaces were discussed as a target) and consider paving or graveling an approach area; accessible parking spaces should be provided adjacent to the entry. Staff reminded the owner that alcohol service is allowed if a licensed bartender is used.
Moss said her property owners’ association and neighbors have been consulted; planning staff suggested collecting a POA approval letter for the planning board. County staff said they will provide a checklist and a list of engineers and that the fire marshal will meet the owner on-site to verify specific equipment and egress needs. No final approval was given at the meeting.
