Warrick County BZA approves agritourism "farm stay" with conditions after neighbor concerns

The Warrick County Board of Zoning Appeals on May (public packet date referenced) approved a special‑use permit to allow an agritourism operation — described as an orchard, vineyard and small “farm stay” rental cabin — at 4788 Martin Road.

The applicants, who identified themselves in the hearing as Manon Lau and Vania Lau, said the operation will be small‑scale and mainly on weekends, with apple, peach and pear trees already planted and some early grape plantings; the applicants said they do not plan to make wine on site. “We are looking for small scale activities only,” the applicant told the board.

Nearby residents testified with concerns about a proposed portable restroom, parking and traffic at the site’s steep entrance on Martin Road. Kevin Schmidt, who said he lives next door, told the board he did not want a portable restroom visible from his back door and asked that restroom placement be moved: “I don’t want to see a porta potty out of our backdoor.” Paul Campbell, who said he has lived near the site for more than 30 years, urged caution about increased traffic and safety at the intersection of Martin and Concord.

County staff told the board the county engineer conducted a site review and that the applicant will need to construct a commercial entrance aligned with Concord and obtain all required permits. The applicant agreed to provide portable‑restroom placement adjustments and additional trash receptacles and to pick up litter after events; she also noted existing trees and fencing that would screen parking areas from neighbors.

Board member Mike Mason moved to approve the special use after reading findings required by the ordinance and attaching standard conditions including compliance with Warrick County zoning, required improvement and building permits, adherence to the plot plan on file, and any health‑department requirements for portable restrooms. The motion passed and the board recorded that the application was approved; staff said the approval will be typed into minutes and an approval letter provided to the applicant.

What happens next: the applicants must secure a commercial site review, any building or improvement location permits, and any required health‑department permits before construction or operation changes proceed.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the decision.