Planning commission approves conditional-use permit for Firefly Point event facility

The Cumberland County Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve Conditional Use Permit CUP-26-02, allowing an event facility at a 14.053-acre parcel identified in staff materials as 690 Columbia Road and commonly referred to by the applicant as Firefly Point.

Planning staff reviewed maps, zoning and the 2024 comprehensive plan and recommended approval with a package of conditions intended to protect the reservoir watershed and public safety. Staff said the property is zoned A-2 (agricultural), contains an existing rehabilitated barn where events will be held, and that the parcel is largely within the reservoir watershed protection area. "It is the opinion of staff that the request promotes good zoning practice and that the location and the intended use of the property are consistent with the zoning ordinance and the comprehensive plan," planning staff said during the hearing.

Conditions attached to the CUP require strict compliance with the submitted site plan, maintenance of a natural vegetative buffer around property lines, compliance with the Cops Creek Reservoir Watershed Protection Ordinance, and adherence to all federal, state and local rules for water, sewer and electrical systems. The permit also requires submission of applicable health-department documentation, provides specifications for refuse containers to be emptied within 48 hours after events, and limits hours of operation to 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with specified nighttime noise restrictions.

A commissioner moved approval after the public hearing and roll-call votes were taken; the record shows all commissioners responding "Yes". Planning staff noted that a final site plan review will be required before events can proceed and that renewal and enforcement provisions in the CUP will require documentation from relevant agencies during renewal cycles.