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Commission recommends Zion United Methodist Church farmers market CUP with conditions on music and vendor licensing
Summary
The planning commission recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit 2025‑02 for a farmers market at Zion United Methodist Church, adding a condition to prohibit amplified outdoor music and requiring vendor licensing and a permanent record of the market’s guiding procedures.
The Louisa County Planning Commission on April recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 2025‑02 to allow a farmers market at Zion United Methodist Church, with amendments addressing amplified music, vendor licensing, and memorializing the market’s guiding procedures as a permanent record attached to the CUP.
Paige Baker, an associate planner with Louisa County Community Development, presented the CUP application. The proposed market would use an existing 5.68‑acre church property at Zion Road and Columbia Road (split‑zoned A2 and in the growth area overlay). Staff recommended 11 conditions, including hours of operation and operational procedures; Baker said neighborhood outreach and an A.D. review found no opposition on record.
Applicant Pastor Dave McWilliams said the market would rely on existing paved parking and could accommodate about 13 vendors and 46 parking spaces; the proposal also anticipates food trucks, playground use and occasional entertainment to create a community ‘‘third space.’’ McWilliams said the team hopes to accept SNAP/EBT to expand low‑income access to fresh produce.
Commissioners identified inconsistencies in the application paperwork about operating times (staff materials listed Saturdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m., another part of the application listed a single third‑Saturday 11 a.m.–1 p.m.). McWilliams clarified the team is applying for the broader permission (Saturdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m.) but expects initial operating hours to be more limited (about 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) while the market establishes itself. The commission also asked how guiding procedures would be memorialized; staff said the approval letter and county online parcel records would include the CUP approval and that the operational plan could be enclosed with the approval letter.
Commissioner Dickerson moved to recommend approval with changes to require that all amplified music be indoors and that vendors hold required health and safety licenses; the motion was seconded and passed on roll call.
The recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of Supervisors for final action. Staff said it will ensure application materials are edited so times and vendor arrival/departure rules are consistent before Board submittal.
