Planning commission presses Speedway for clearer event narrative and sound study before changing SUP limits

Page County planners revisited a proposed amendment to the Shenandoah Speedway special-use permit on May 26 and asked the applicant for two items before the commission will set limits on race days or hours: a clearer, written narrative describing each type of event requested and a professional acoustical study to advise on noise-based limits.

Cassie Richards and Josh Hahn summarized staff research and the SUP background; commissioners referenced a prior Board of Zoning Appeals decision that removed a previously proposed wall requirement and the Board of Supervisors’ decision not to appeal. Applicant representative Mr. Vaughn described a broad mix of uses including oval-track races, motocross, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, club touring events and one-off practice/testing sessions. He said the track receives ad hoc requests for testing and tuning, noting that clubs sometimes request short blocks for practice. "I get calls right now, and they said hey, I want to come up do some tests and tune them for four hours," Vaughn said, explaining why the applicant requests year-round operational flexibility for practices.

Commissioners said they need an applicant-supplied narrative that breaks events into clear groups (racing, practice/testing, tractor pulls/demolition, one-day touring events), with the requested frequency for each. The commission also deferred any decision on annualized event counts and noise thresholds until a retained noise expert can present decibel metrics and explain how seasonal practice/testing would factor into an annual DNL calculation. Commissioners asked staff to obtain a light meter or require a professional lighting plan if the SUP will include a foot‑candle limit. Staff will request the written narrative and will schedule a focused meeting to hear a hired sound expert when one is available.