BOA agenda 110915 - Laserfiche WebLink

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M • Special Use Permit Process; • Application and supporting documents; • Site and surrounding area; • Environmental and development constraints; • Zoning and land use requirements; and • Tentative schedule for the Class B SUP process. Mrs. Kara Brewer, the owner and applicant for the request introduced herself, her vision and background and plans for the property. She also gave an overview of elements that would limit the potential impact on adjacent properties and the surrounding community. For example, she indicated that outdoor activities for events would be limited to daylight hours. She indicated that she had elected to go through the SUP process voluntarily rather than submit the project as a permitted agritourism activity on a Bona Fide Farm, which would not require an SUP. The project consultant, Tim Smith, PE with Phil Post & Associates presented the site plans, site and design considerations and analysis for the project. He also gave an overview of how the project would comply with the standards required by the UDO and how the development would occur. Attendees then asked questions and expressed concerns the following categories: 1. Vehicular Access, Traffic and Safety. ® Residents expressed concerns about the potential for traffic congestion on Morrow Mill Road and Millikan Roads. They also expressed concerns over public safety and whether the wedding events would expose the area to an increase in reckless and /or drunk driving caused by alcohol consumed by event participants. They also noted that the volumes would ruin the rural character of the area. Orange County Planning Staff outlined that the proposed project does not exceed the threshold(s) to require a full Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA). The applicant has evaluated potential trip generations, the carrying capacity of the roads and asked the Orange County Sherriff's Department to review their incident reports and records related to other events centers in Orange County. Note: The Sherriff Departments review and analysis concluded that none of the existing venues have had a significant history of public safety issues. The applicant and her consultant indicated that traffic would be accommodated via the NCDOT maintained road network and that public access would be directed to Morrow Mill Road. They also noted that the events would traditionally be held in non -peak hour times and mostly on weeks. The applicant also expressed her desire to ensure that events were- conducted in a safe manner. She also noted that alcohol consumption is a potential liability for any event center and that it would be regulated, monitored and part of any event rental agreements. 2. Rural Character and Property Values. • Residents argued that and event center is not in keeping with the area's distinct rural character and that a "Party Barn" is not a farm and that the level of intensity of the special events would radically change the dynamics of their rural pastoral countryside. They also indicated concerns that the development would lower their property values. • Staff noted that these are elements considered "Findings of fact" that the applicant is required to enter substantial, competent and material evidence toward during this SUP process.