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Commission forwards proposed 'event center' zoning use to public hearing
Summary
The planning commission voted to send a draft ordinance creating an 'event center' use to public hearing. Staff said the use would allow multipurpose indoor/outdoor facilities (weddings, conventions, job fairs) by right in commercial districts and by conditional use in agricultural districts.
The Surry County Planning Commission voted Sept. 23 to send a proposed zoning‑use definition for an "event center" to public hearing. Staff said the change responds to an inquiry from a prospective business seeking a place for weddings, conventions and similar gatherings.
Staff described the proposed use as "a multipurpose facility with flexible indoor and outdoor space typically used for activities such as weddings, conventions, job fairs, and trade shows." The draft would allow event centers by right in B‑1, B‑2 and B‑D districts, and by conditional use in AL (Agriculture Limited) and AR (Agriculture Rural) districts. Staff said most likely applicants would request conditional‑use review when the project sits on agricultural property.
Commissioner (speaker 2) moved to bring the event‑center amendment forward under Va. Code §15.2‑2286(a)(7); the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said they and legal counsel will refine the language and return a formal ordinance draft for public notice and hearing before the commission and then the Board of Supervisors.
The commission discussed whether the existing subcommittee should review the new use; staff and the chair indicated the current zoning subcommittee could handle the review and that staff would circulate refined draft language before scheduling the hearing.
