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Special Exception Use Permit Petition Submitted by Steven Berry and Christina Berry (SE2514)
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Request:
Special Exception Use Permit for a Place of Public Assembly, namely, a Venue for Special Events
General Location:
East side of Culbreath Road, approximately one (1) mile east along Mizelle Road
Parcel Key Number:
1497213
Summary of Applicant’s Request:
The petitioner is requesting approval of a Special Exception Use Permit to allow for a Place of Public Assembly, specifically to operate a venue for special events.
The subject property consists of 19.6 acres. The applicant proposes utilizing approximately 5 acres of the site to host weddings during the fall and spring months. It is anticipated that approximately 10 to 15 events per year will be conducted.
An existing wooden pole barn, located on the west side of the property, will serve as the primary event structure. The barn is equipped with running water, one restroom/apartment area, fire extinguishers mounted throughout, and three garage doors to function as fire exits. The applicant further proposes the use of the surrounding grounds for event-related activities, including canopies/tents and mobile restroom facilities.
This hearing is pursuant to the Board’s approval to hear the petitioner’s appeal following the Planning and Zoning Commission’s denial of the petitioner’s request for a Special Exception Use Permit (SE2514).
Public Hearing History:
On November 10, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-2 to deny the petitioner’s request for a Special Exception Use Permit (SE2514).
On December 2, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners voted to hear the petitioner’s appeal regarding the denial of Special Exception Use Permit (SE2514). The appeal hearing was scheduled for January 6, 2026, which the petitioner’s requested it be rescheduled citing the need for adequate time to compile the required documentation pertaining to road utilization.
On January 6, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners voted 5-0 to authorize the petitioner’s request to reschedule the appeal hearing for the petitioner’s denial of Special Exception Use Permit (SE2514).
FINANCIAL IMPACT
A matter of policy. There is no financial impact.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has jurisdiction over the subject of application; the Commission has the ability to approve special exceptions with appropriate conditions and safeguards or deny special exceptions not in harmony with the Land Development Regulations. The Applicable Criteria for a special exception are contained in Appendix A (Zoning), Article V, Section 8. The special exception must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board either approve or deny the petitioner’s request for a Special Exception Use Permit for a Place of Public Assembly, namely, a Venue for Special Events, with performance conditions.