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Owners plan to convert metal building into event venue; county flags sprinkler, parking and water-supply hurdles
Summary
Launch Intention LLC told staff it intends to change an existing metal single-family structure to an assembly-class event venue for about 150 guests; county staff said the project likely requires structural and stamped MEP plans, a sprinkler system, state plumbing letter and a reliable fire-water source, and raised questions about parking calculations and easement access.
An applicant team told Benton County staff they plan to convert an existing metal building off East Highway 72 into a special-event venue for weddings and similar events, initially targeting about 150 guests and potentially up to 200.
County planners and building-safety staff said the change of use to an assembly occupancy will require structural-engineered plans, stamped mechanical/electrical/plumbing drawings and a state plumbing letter. Staff noted that the tenant/load classification could require a sprinkler system; the applicant was told to consult fire‑suppression contractors for preliminary pricing. The site’s nearest public watermain and hydrants are along Highway 72, and staff warned that the on-site well will not provide adequate capacity for a sprinklered assembly: the applicants said they are working with contractors to size a holding tank and pump to provide supplemental water for fire suppression.
Planning staff and the road department asked the applicants to resolve access and easement questions and to clarify whether the assembly parking calculation should follow a theater/auditorium standard or a banquet/restaurant standard (the difference affects required parking; preliminary counts ranged from about 60 to 200 spaces depending on the calculation). The county advised that adding parking or other site development would move the project into full site-plan review.
On contracting and permitting, staff said the owners cannot act as their own general contractor for trade work; licensed plumbers, electricians and HVAC contractors are required. The county will provide a follow-up packet describing the plan submission process and state contacts for plumbing approval; applicants were advised to discuss septic and timeline impacts with the health department early in the process.
No formal approvals were issued; staff committed to a written follow-up with technical submittal instructions and contacts.
