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Legal questions swirl around Barn of Chapel Hill • Katie Jansen • Updated Jan 23, 2016 CHAPEL HILL — In Bingham Township, signs march along the winding country roads, proclaiming "Stop the Party Barn" and "Real Farms Don't Have DJs." They're referring to the Barn of Chapel Hill, a proposed new event venue that was denied a special use permit Nov. 9 after a public hearing before the Board of Adjustment. Residents of the area, concerned about lights, traffic, noise and safety, hired an attorney to represent them at the quasi - judicial hearing. The board ruled in their favor, finding that the applicant did not prove three conditions that were required for the permit — that the project would maintain the public health, safety or general welfare of the area; that the project would maintain or enhance surrounding property values and that the project would be in harmony with the surrounding area. But neighbors say they are worried as plans for the Barn continue on property that may be legally exempt from county regulations. The Barn of Chapel Hill, slated for a 22 -acre parcel of land between Morrow Mill Road and Millikan Road, could bring 66 to 163 cars to Bingham Township every day the center holds events, civil engineer Tim Smith said at the hearing. The building could accommodate up to 250 people, according to project plans submitted to the county, and is envisioned to host retreats and weddings on the weekends and smaller events, such as corporate and university events, during the week. The property, owned by Kara and Chris Brewer, has a USDA - issued farm number, which makes it a farm recognized by state law. Under this law, first written in 1959, farms operating under farm purposes are exempt from county zoning regulations. The legislature added agritourism as an acceptable farm purpose in 2006. The Brewers present their project as an agritourism venture — a barn that brings visitors to a flower farm. This has raised red flags among some in the community, who describe the area as heavily wooded land that hasn't been farmed in generations. Brewer said she is a new farmer who was able to obtain a farm number by drafting a farm plan. She plans to begin planting this spring. Brewer's property was granted a farm number May 6, according to her special use permit application. Tina Miller, the county executive director for the FSA office in Hillsborough, said that the criteria for a property to be eligible for a farm number became more stringent as of Sept. 1.