background & summary of proposal · 2020. 12. 9. · background & summary of proposal ....

Hunt Club of Virginia Beach, Inc Agenda Item 10

Applicant Hunt Club of Virginia Beach, Inc Owner Hunt Club Farm A-1-A Planning Commission Public Hearing December 9, 2020

City Council Election District Princess Anne

Request Modification of Conditions (Outdoor Recreation Facility) Staff Recommendation Approval Staff Planner Hoa N. Dao Location 2356, 2380, 2388, 2400, 2412, & 2416 London Bridge Road GPINs 2405812185, 2405819128, 2405900607, 2405900218, 2405914155, & 2405916438 Site Size 55.63 acres AICUZ 70-75 & greater than 75 dB DNL Watershed Southern Rivers Existing Land Use and Zoning District Outdoor Recreational Facility / B-2 Community Business, AG-1 & AG-2 Agricultural Surrounding Land Uses and Zoning Districts North Single-family dwellings, equestrian facility / AG-1 Agricultural South London Bridge Road Single-family dwellings / R-10 & R-20 Residential East Single-family dwellings / PD-H2 (R5D) Planned Unit Development West Wooded area, single-family dwellings / AG-1 & AG-2 Agricultural

Agenda Item 10


• On May 23, 2000, City Council approved the first of several Conditional Use Permits for outdoor recreational uses.

Since 2000, the City Council has also approved five Modification of Conditions requests, with the latest approval in November 2015.

• Currently, Hunt Club Farm operates on the 51-acre site, hosting a variety of outdoor seasonal events such as Winter Wonderland, Halloween Haunted Hay Rides, Fall Harvest Fair, and the Easter Egg Hunt. A Farmers’ Market, a Children’s Petting Farm, horseback riding, and summer camp for children all also occur on-site.

• The applicant is now seeking to modify the conditions of the 2014 and 2015 approvals in order to relocate the parking areas and update the traffic circulation plan, extend the events operation day, and to allow flexibility for scheduling of events in instances of inclement weather.

o The Modification of Conditions that was granted by City Council on December 2, 2014 combines all seven previous Conditional Use Permits approved on the subject property to have one set of conditions that addressed the entire scope of operations at Hunt Club Farm and make enforcement easier.

o The Modication of Conditions that was granted by City Council on November 17, 2015 expanded the scope of the operation to include a new aviary in the Petting Farm, expanded operation of the Christmas Barn, and included 2416 London Bridge Road into the scope of the operation.

• Specifically, the requested modifications for this application are as follows.

o Add 4.73 acres of property, 2380 London Bridge Road, to the Conditional Use Permit for an Outdoor Recreation Facility to be used for overflow parking during events.

o Amend Conditions 3, 8, 9, 10, 14, 17, and 21 of the 2014 and 2015 Modification of Conditions requests in order to:

Condition 3 – Update the reference exhibit to include general animal areas, playgrounds and the bird aviary.

Condition 8 – Change the date of The Annual Children’s Halloween Party from “the next to last Sunday in October” to “one weekend day during the month of October.”

Condition 9 – Change the date of the Wonder Wonderland / Holiday Display from “the second Saturday in December” to “one weekend day during the month of December.”

Condition 10 – Extend the Easter Egg Hunt event to include the Friday before Easter Sunday.

Condition 14 – Extend the months that company, family, and military group gatherings can be held to include the months of January and February, and extend the hours on Fridays and Saturdays by 30 minutes from 11:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m..

Condition 17 – Update the traffic circulation map for special events and the Traffic Management Plan.

Condition 21 – Add that overflow parking can be used “if deemed necessary.”

• The updated conditions recommended below will cover all activities taking place on the site known for its farm-based theme. According to the applicant, these revisions to the conditions allow Hunt Club Farm to become one of the largest entertainment venues in the City.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS INCLUDED IN REQUEST

The activities and events approved for Hunt Club Farm include a haunted hayride, birthday parties, a corn maze, a Winter Wonderland Event / holiday display, and the Halloween Event. The applicant requests for the continuation of

Background & Summary of Proposal


these activities, as well as the addition of several more activities and events. Each activity and event included in this request is described below. • Halloween Festival - The Halloween event has been the largest event at Hunt Club Farm for several years, and will

continue to operate as it has. The applicant states that the event is limited to 25 nights per year, between the last week in September and the first week in November. Hours of operation are 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; however, ticket sales are stopped at 10 p.m. Activities at the event include the following: a haunted hayride, haunted cornfield (“Field of Screams”), wooded walkthrough area (“Village of the Dead”), music provided by a DJ, carnival rides, food and entertainment vendors, and the retail sale of pumpkins and novelty items. The “Village of the Dead” and Haunted Hayride will consist of a series of stage sets and will incorporate a number of trained actors hired by the applicant.

• Fall Harvest Fair - The Fall Harvest Fair operates concurrently with the Halloween Festival. The fair will operate from the last week in September through the first week of November. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities for the fair include: the petting farm, pony rides, farm tour hayrides, daily animal demonstrations (goat milking, chicken class, etc…), a pumpkin patch, giant hay pile, straw maze, music provided by a DJ, farm games, carnival rides, inflatable and other amusements, and food and event vendors. Also included as part of the Fall Harvest is the Annual Children’s Fall Harvest Party. This event is held on the next to last Sunday in October from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional activities included with this event are pumpkin decorating, cupcake decorating, a costumed animal parade and kid’s costume contest.

• Winter Wonderland / Holiday Display - The Winter Wonderland event was approved in 2008, and will continue to operate as it has. The event will be held one (1) weekend day during the month of December. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Holiday Display occurs in the barn at the rear of the property, labeled “Christmas Barn” on the submitted site plan. Activities at the event include: light displays in the petting farm and front field, live animal nativity scene, the Christmas Barn, recreational fires for marshmallows and hotdog roasting, and pony rides. The Christmas Barn features a series of lit and animated displays. Also included in this event is the Annual Brunch with Santa. This event is held the second Saturday in December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additional activities include photos with Santa, a catered buffet-style brunch, and Christmas craft stations.

• Easter Egg Hunt - The Easter Egg Hunt is an annual, three-day event on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities at this event include a traditional Easter egg hunt, petting farm, pony rides, hayrides, ‘animal encounters’ with chicks, rabbits, ducks and lambs, music provided by a DJ, farm and carnival type rides, inflatable amusements, and food and event vendors.

• Petting Farm - The petting farm is included in a majority of the events that are held on the site. A license to exhibit animals is maintained through the USDA. The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to sunset. The petting farm features animal exhibits, demonstrations, petting, feeding, and viewing of farm animals, as well as horse and pony rides. The applicant is also requesting approval to sell petting farm and activity admission, snacks, animal feed, and other agriculturally related products in a small building located adjacent to the petting farm.

• Horseback riding lessons - The applicant is requesting approval to provide horseback riding lessons on the site. The animals will be kept within existing corrals and in structures that are located more than 100 feet from the property lines, as required by the Zoning Ordinance.

• Farm Market - The farm market is located in a small building near the entrance to the site, adjacent to London Bridge Road. Hours of operation for the market are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The applicant is requesting to extend the hours of operation so that the market can remain open until 11 p.m. during the Halloween Festival and 9 p.m. during the Winter Wonderland event. The market offers retail sale of plants, cut flowers, produce, honey, jams, jellies, preserves, dairy products, eggs, straw, handmade items (wreaths, soaps and candles), birdhouses, agricultural, garden and animal related novelties, ice cream, ice, beverages (bottled water, soda and juices), prepackaged snacks


and candy, as well as local books and items displaying the “Hunt Club Farm” name. Additionally, Christmas trees and pumpkins will be sold at the appropriate times of year.

• Birthday parties - Birthday parties are farm and animal themed. Activities include the petting farm, animal feeding, pony rides, hayrides, a farm tour, and special animal encounters. In addition to the outdoor areas and petting farm, the birthday parties will also use the “greenhouse” and “front barn” as shown on the submitted site plan. According to the applicant, the parties are currently organized such that there are two parties scheduled in one time block, each ranging in size from 20 to 40 people. There are a number of time blocks throughout the day. During peak summer months, a typical weekend day will consist of eight to ten parties.

• Summer Farm Camp - Summer Farm Camp is a day program offered from June through August. The weekly sessions are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The camp is a 10 to 12 week program that introduces children, ages 4 to 12, to a variety of agricultural activities including, but not limited to, horseback riding, gardening, fishing, and animal husbandry. The small structure labeled “Camp Clubhouse” on the submitted site plan is used as an educational area for the campers.

• Farm tours and field trips - The applicant requests permission for a variety of seasonal field trips and tours for schools, daycare centers, senior centers, and other similar groups. The applicant states that no more than 250 people will be scheduled to arrive within a 30-minute period to minimize the potential of traffic congestion.

• Company, military, and family group picnics - The applicant requests permission to hold company, military, and family gatherings year-round. The hours will be limited to 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The picnics will take place in the garden area, greenhouse shelter, petting farm, front field, and front barn. These picnics occasionally bring in catered food, temporary tents, inflatable amusements, and music provided by a DJ. All necessary permits for the temporary structures will be obtained for each event.

• Charity fundraisers and special events - In addition to the specific events listed above, the applicant requests permission to host 24, outdoor-only, fundraiser and special events per year. These events will be limited to 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday. These events may include temporary tents, inflatable amusement devices, music provided by a DJ or live band, food and entertainment vendors, and a catering service. These events will require the applicants or event organizers to notify all necessary City agencies. Condition 16 is recommended to ensure compliance with this requirement.


Zoning History # Request 1 MOD (Modification of Conditions) Under Review

CUP (Religious Use) Approved 11/07/2017 2 MOD (Modification of Conditions) Approved 11/17/2015

MOD (Modification of Conditions) Approved 12/02/2014 CUP (Outdoor Recreational Facilities) Approved 07/08/2008 MOD (Modification of Conditions) Approved 10/23/2007 MOD (Modification of Conditions) Approved 11/14/2006 SVR (Section 4.4(b) of the Subdivison Ordinance) Approved 04/12/2005 CUP (Outdoor Recreational Facility) Approved 05/23/2000 CRZ (AG-2 Agricultural District to B-2 Community Business District) Approved 03/11/1992

3 CRZ (R-20 Residential District to Conditional O-1 Office District) Approved 12/09/2008

4 CUP (Riding Academy and Horses for Hire and Boarding) Approved 01/08/2008

5 SVR (Lot Width, Street Line Frontage) Approved 07/13/2005

6 CUP (Pet Crematory) Approved 04/09/2002 7 CUP (Horse Boarding) Approved 06/25/2002 8 LUP (AG-1 & 2, R3 to PD-H2) Approved 1984

Application Types CUP – Conditional Use Permit REZ – Rezoning CRZ – Conditional Rezoning

MOD – Modification of Conditions or Proffers NON – Nonconforming Use STC – Street Closure

FVR – Floodplain Variance ALT – Alternative Compliance SVR – Subdivision Variance

LUP – Land Use Plan STR – Short Term Rental

Staff finds the request to amend the conditions as described to be acceptable. Modifying the conditions to allow the applicant some flexibility for the operation of the activities on alternative dates due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances and to add additional dates for specific events are reasonable in Staff’s view. As the boundary of the operation is expanding to create an additional parking area, updating the conditions related to the traffic circulation and parking are also acceptable, as the modification address parking needs for the large events. While this request would increase vehicular trips to the site by extending the operational time of the Easter Egg Hunt to include Friday and the company, family, and military group gatherings to include the months of January and February, the applicant provided a revised traffic circulation plan for special events that will reduce impacts to the surrounding residences. The updated plan include a new overflow parking area, change the internal traffic pattern from two-way to one-way traffic, add an additional exit access point, and changing all three exit points onto London Bridge Road to allow right-turn only during special events. Traffic Engineering Staff concurs that the proposal will help reduce vehicular traffic conflicts in the right-of-way during large events. Based on the considerations described above, Staff recommends approval of this request subject to the conditions listed below. To simplify the history of all previous approvals, the applicable conditions of those approvals are combined into a single set of conditions noted below.

Evaluation & Recommendation

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1. All conditions attached to the Modification of Conditions granted on December 2, 2014 and November 17, 2015, are

hereby deleted and superseded by the following conditions.

2. The activities held on the site shall operate in the locations and facilities as depicted on the submitted site plan entitled “EXHIBIT, HALLOWEEN EVENT ACCESS PLAN – OVERVIEW OF FACILITIES AT HUNT CLUB FARM, MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONS, OCTOBER 14, 2015”, (the “Site Plan”) dated July 10, 2014 and prepared by Gallup Surveyors and Engineers, Ltd.

3. The Petting Farm hours of operation shall be 8:00 a.m. to sunset. The sale of petting farm admission, animal feed, and other agriculturally related products shall be permitted in the adjacent shed building, as depicted on the submitted Site Plan entitled “Exhibit A: Petting Farm & Recreation Map”.

4. The Farm Market hours of operation shall be 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the following exceptions. During the Halloween Event, the Farm Market hours of operation shall be 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. During the Winter Wonderland Event, the Farm Market hours of operation shall be 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Items sold at the Farm Market shall be those included below in the “Details of Proposal” section.

5. The Halloween Event shall be limited in operation to between the last week in September through the first week in November. The event shall be limited to a maximum of 25 nights. The hours of operation shall be 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., and ticket sales shall stop at 10:00 p.m. The activities included with this Event shall be those included above in the “Details of Proposal” section.

6. The Fire Prevention Bureau shall inspect the site and all areas and structures associated with the Halloween Event each year, prior to the Event beginning on October 1st.

7. The Fall Harvest Fair shall be limited in operation to between the last week in September through the first week of November. The hours of operation shall be 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The activities included with this Event shall be those included above in the “Details of Proposal” section.

8. The Annual Children’s Fall Harvest Party may be held only one (1) weekend day during the month of October. The hours of operation shall be 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The activities included with this Event shall be those included above in the “Details of Proposal” section.

9. The Winter Wonderland/ Holiday Display may be held only one (1) weekend day during the month of December. The hours of operation shall be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The holiday display shall be located in the barn identified as “Christmas Barn” on the submitted site plan. In addition, the barn may be used in the operation of the Summer Camp and for occupancy during charity events and special events as identified in Condition 15.

10. The Easter Egg Hunt may be held each year only on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend. The hours of operation shall be 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The activities included with this Event shall be those included above in the “Details of Proposal” section.

11. The Summer Fun Camp shall be limited in operation to between the months of June through August. The hours of operation shall be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The activities included with this Event shall be those included above in the “Details of Proposal” section.

12. The Farm Tours and Field trips shall be operated as described in the “Background / Details of Proposal” section of the Modification of Conditions report approved by City Council on December 2, 2014. No more than 250 people shall be scheduled to arrive within a 30 minute period.

Recommended Conditions


13. The activities and operation included with the birthday parties held on site shall be limited to those included above in the “Details of Proposal” section.

14. Company, family, and military picnics may be held year-round. The picnics shall be limited to Sunday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The activities included with the picnics shall be those included above in the “Details of Proposal” section.

15. Charity fundraisers and Special Events shall be limited to no more than 24 events, other than those specified with this Conditional Use Permit, per year. These events shall be limited to Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The activities included with these events shall be limited to those included above in the “Details of Proposal” section.

16. Two weeks prior to every charity event and special event, as described in Condition 15, the applicant shall notify the following City agencies: Police Department, Fire Marshal Bureau, Commissioner of Revenue, Zoning Department, Current Planning Department, and Health Department. Notification shall be given by contacting the City of Virginia Beach, Resort Management Special Events Department. There shall be no fee or separate application process associated with this notification for the 24 events permitted per calendar year. Additionally, the applicant shall appear before the Virginia Beach Special Events Task Force four times per year to inform the Task Force of all upcoming events in the coming months.

17. Traffic and parking management during events generating a high volume of traffic, including but not limited to the Halloween Event, Winter Wonderland Event and Easter Egg Hunt, shall operate as depicted on the submitted Site Plan entitled Hunt Club Farm Special Event Parking” and as detailed in the “Special Event Traffic Management Plan.”

18. A certified Police Officer and certified traffic monitors shall assist with traffic control during events that generate high volumes of traffic, including but not limited to the Halloween Event, Winter Wonderland Event and Easter Egg Hunt, and events that use the additional “overflow parking” area as shown on the submitted site plan.

19. Two handicap spaces shall be provided in the gravel parking area adjacent to the Farm Market, as per the submitted site plan. These spaces shall comply with all ADA requirements.

20. The temporary curb cut to London Bridge Road shall be restricted to passenger vehicles only and shall meet ADA requirements. The temporary curb cut shall be egress only and shall be limited to a right-out onto London Bridge Road.

21. If deemed necessary, a legal agreement shall be maintained with the owner of the adjacent property (GPIN# 24058121850000), for the use of the property as “Additional Overflow Parking.”

22. All structures used to accommodate events or where people congregate, including the “Barn,” “Farm Market,” “Village of the Dead,” “Camp Clubhouse,” “Greenhouse,” and “Christmas Barn” shall obtain and maintain all required permits from the Planning Department, Permits and Inspections Division, and the Fire Marshal’s Bureau. These City agencies shall be consulted to determine the permits that are required.

23. All required permits, certificates of occupancy and improvements necessary to comply with the Building Code, as detailed in the “Building Code” section below, shall be obtained/completed/maintained by the applicant. The applicant shall acquire all necessary permits and certificates of occupancy from the Planning Department, Permits and Inspections Division. The Permits and Inspections Division shall verify compliance with the Building Code upon completion of required work or when a permit is ready to be finaled.

24. An Operations Plan shall be updated to reflect the changes in the parking plan and amended conditions for the overall operation of Hunt Club Farm, as well as more detailed operation plans for each of the facilities used on site. A copy of the updated plan shall be submitted to the Planning Director and the Fire Marshal Bureau within 30 days of City Council action.


25. The applicant shall comply with all life and fire safety measures as detailed in the “Life Safety” section below. The applicant shall verify compliance with the Fire Prevention Bureau.

26. There shall be no weddings or Change of Command ceremonies held on the site.

Further conditions may be required during the administration of applicable City Ordinances and Standards. Any site plan submitted with this application may require revision during detailed site plan review to meet all applicable City Codes and Standards. All applicable permits required by the City Code, including those administered by the Department of Planning / Development Services Center and Department of Planning / Permits and Inspections Division, and the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, are required before any approvals allowed by this application are valid. The applicant is encouraged to contact and work with the Crime Prevention Office within the Police Department for crime prevention techniques and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) concepts and strategies as they pertain to this site.

1. Except as modified by any of the conditions below, all conditions associated with the Modification of a Conditional

Use Permit approved by the City Council on December 2, 2014 shall remain in full effect.

2. Condition number 2 of the Modification of a Conditional Use Permit approved by the City Council on December 2, 2014 shall be deleted and replaced with the following to include the addition of the aviary and restroom facilities within the Christmas Barn.

The activities held on site shall operate in the locations and facilities as depicted on the submitted site plan entitled “EXHIBIT, HALLOWEEN EVENT ACCESS PLAN- OVERVIEW OF FACILITIES AT HUNT CLUB FARM, MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONS, OCTOBER 14, 2015”, (the “Site Plan”) dated July 10, 2014 and prepared by Gallup Surveyors and Engineers, Ltd.

3. The structure, identified on the approved site plan as “Christmas Barn” shall continue to be used during the Winter Wonderland/Holiday Display as specified in Condition number 9 of the approval by the City Council on December 2, 2014. In addition, the structure shall be used in the operation of the Summer Camp and for occupancy during charity events and special events (as identified in Condition 15 of the December 2, 2104 approval). Prior to the structure being occupied for these additional uses, the applicant shall obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for the structure from the Planning Department, Permits and Inspections Division for each separate eventual use.

4. Two weeks prior to every charity event and special event, as described in Condition 15 of the approval on December 2, 2014, the applicant shall notify the following City agencies: Police Department, Fire Marshal Bureau, Commissioner of Revenue, Zoning Department, Current Planning Department, and Health Department. Notification shall be given by contacting the City of Virginia Beach, Resort Management Special Events Department. There shall be no fee or separate application process associated with this notification for the 24 events permitted per calendar year. Additionally, the applicant will appear before the Virginia Beach Special Events Task Force four times per year to inform the Task Force of all upcoming events in the coming months. [THIS CONDITION SHALL REPLACE CONDITION 16 OF THE APPROVED CONDITIONS FROM DECEMBER 2, 2104]

Conditions of November 17, 2015 Modification of Conditions


1. All conditions attached to the Conditional Use Permits granted by City Council on October 22, 1991, May 23, 2000,

November 9, 2004, July 8, 2008, and subsequent Modification of Conditions granted on November 14, 2006 and October 23, 2007, are hereby deleted and superseded by the following conditions.

2. The activities held on the site shall operate in the locations and facilities as depicted on the submitted site plan entitled “EXHIBIT, HALLOWEEN EVENT ACCESS PLAN,” (the “Site Plan”) dated July 10, 2014 and prepared by Gallup Surveyors and Engineers, Ltd.

3. The Petting Farm hours of operation shall be 8:00 a.m. to sunset. The sale of petting farm admission, snacks, animal feed, and other agriculturally related products shall be permitted in the adjacent shed building, identified as “Barn” on the submitted Site Plan.

4. The Farm Market hours of operation shall be 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the following exceptions. During the Halloween Event, the Farm Market hours of operation shall be 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.. During the Winter Wonderland Event, the Farm Market hours of operation shall be 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Items sold at the Farm Market shall be those included in the “Background / Details of Proposal” section of this report.

5. The Halloween Event shall be in operation from the last week in September through the first week in November. The event shall be limited to a maximum of 25 nights. The hours of operation shall be 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., and ticket sales shall stop at 10:00 p.m. The activities included with this Event shall be as described above in the “Background / Details of Proposal” section of this report.

6. The Fire Prevention Bureau shall inspect the site, and all areas and structures associated with the Halloween Event each year, prior to the Event beginning.

7. The Fall Harvest Fair shall be in operation from the last week in September through the first week of November. The hours of operation shall be 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The activities included with this Event shall be as described above in the “Background / Details of Proposal” section of this report.

8. The Annual Children’s Fall Harvest Party shall be held each year on the next to last Sunday in October. The hours of operation shall be 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The activities included with this Event shall be as described above in the “Background / Details of Proposal” section of this report.

9. The Winter Wonderland/ Holiday Display shall be in operation between Thanksgiving and December 31st. The hours of operation shall be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The activities included with this Event shall be as described above in the “Background / Details of Proposal” section of this report. The Holiday Display shall be located in the barn identified as “Christmas Barn” on the submitted Site Plan. The applicant shall contact the Planning Department, Permits & Inspections Division and the Fire Marshal Bureau to ensure the Christmas Barn complies with all applicable life safety and building code requirements.

10. The Easter Egg Hunt shall be held each year on the Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend. The hours of operation shall be 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The activities included with this Event shall be as described above in the “Background / Details of Proposal” section of this report.

11. The Summer Fun Camp shall be in operation from June through August. The hours of operation shall be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The activities included with this Event shall be as described above in the “Background / Details of Proposal” section of this report.

12. The Farm Tours and Field trips shall be operated as described in the “Background / Details of Proposal” section of this report. No more than 250 people shall be scheduled to arrive within a 30 minute period.

Conditions of December 2, 2014 Modification of Conditions


13. The activities and operation included with the birthday parties held on site shall be as described in the “Background / Details of Proposal” section of this report.

14. Company, family and military picnics shall be held between March and December. The picnics shall be limited to Sunday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The activities included with the picnics shall be as described above in the “Background / Details of Proposal” section of this report.

15. Charity fundraisers and Special Events shall be limited to no more than 24 events, other than those specified with this Use Permit, per year. These events shall be limited to Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The activities included with these events shall be as described above in the “Background / Details of Proposal” section of this report.

16. For each of the charity fundraisers and special events as conditioned in condition 15 above, the applicant shall contact all appropriate City agencies including: Fire Marshal Bureau, Police Department, Commissioner of Revenue, Zoning Department and Health Department.

17. Traffic and parking management during events generated a high volume of traffic, including but not limited to the Halloween Event, Winter Wonderland Event and Easter Egg Hunt, shall operate as depicted on the submitted Site Plan and as detailed in the “Traffic Management” portion of the “Evaluation and Recommendation” section of this report.

18. Certified Police Officers and certified traffic monitors shall assist with traffic control during events that generate high volumes of traffic, including but not limited to the Halloween Event, Winter Wonderland Event and Easter Egg Hunt, and events that use the additional “overflow parking” area as shown on the submitted site plan.

19. Two handicap spaces shall be provided in the gravel parking area adjacent to the Farm market, as per the submitted Site Plan. These spaces shall comply with all ADA requirements.

20. The temporary curb cut to London Bridge Road shall be restricted to passenger vehicles only. The temporary curb cut shall be egress only and shall be limited to a right-out onto London Bridge Road.

21. A legal agreement shall be maintained with the owner of the adjacent property (GPIN# 24058121850000), for the use of the property as “Additional Overflow Parking”.

22. All structures used to accommodate events or where people congregate, including the “Barn”, “Farm Market”, “Village of the Dead”, “Camp Clubhouse”, “Greenhouse” and “Christmas Barn”, shall obtain all required permits from the Planning Department, Permits and Inspections Division, and the Fire Marshal Bureau. These City agencies shall be consulted to determine the permits that are required.

23. All required permits, certificates of occupancy and improvements necessary to comply with the building code, as detailed in the “Building Code” portion of the “Evaluation and Recommendation” section of this report, shall be obtained/completed by the applicant. The applicant shall acquire all necessary permits and certificates of occupancy from the Planning Department, Permits and Inspections Division. The Permits and Inspections Division shall verify compliance with the Building Code upon completion of required work or when a permit is ready for final inspection.

24. An Operations Plan shall be drafted and established for the overall operation of Hunt Club Farm, as well as more detailed operation plans for each of the facilities used on site. A copy of the plan shall be submitted to the Planning Director and the Fire Marshal Bureau.

25. The applicant shall comply with all life and fire safety measures as detailed in the “Life Safety” portion of the “Evaluation and Recommendation” section of this report. The applicant shall verify compliance with the Fire Prevention Bureau.


26. There shall be no weddings or Change of Command ceremonies held on the site.

The Comprehensive Plan identifies this site as being located within the Suburban Area. The general planning principles for the Suburban Area focus on preserving and protecting the overall character, economic value, aesthetic quality of the stable neighborhoods, and reinforcing the suburban characteristics of other non-residential areas that comprise part of the Suburban Area. Achieving these goals requires that all land use activities either maintain or enhance the existing neighborhood through compatibility with surroundings, quality, and attractiveness of site and buildings, improved mobility, environmental responsibility, livability, and effective buffering with respect to type, size, intensity, and relationship with surrounding uses.

A majority of the site is an undeveloped grass and wooded area. There are several structures on the site including a residential dwelling unit, commercial kennel facility, barns, greenhouse, and other miscellaneous accessory structures. There is a small gravel parking area located near the entrance from London Bridge Road. There do not appear to be any significant natural resources associated with the site. Hunt Club Farm is a unique attribute to the City, as it provides an agriculturally based entertainment venue in an area that has largely been transformed by suburban development. Hunt Club Farm was started over 40 years ago and has grown greatly in size of operation and popularity. The Johnathan Woodhouse home is located on 2380 London Bridge Road. This home was built in 1760 and is listed in the Virginial Beach Historical Register. The applicant plan to maintain and preserve the historic home.

Street Name Present Volume Present Capacity Generated Traffic

London Bridge Road 18,362 ADT1 26,000 ADT 1 (LOS 2 “C”) 32,700 ADT 1 (LOS 2 “D”) No Data Available

1 Average Daily Trips 2 LOS = Level of Service Master Transportation Plan (MTP) and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) London Bridge Road is a four-lane divided minor suburban arterial. The existing roadwayis within a 100-foot and variable width right-of-way. The MTP proposes a four-lane facility within a 145-foot right-of-way. There are no roadway CIP projects slated for this area.

Water This site currently connects to City water.

Comprehensive Plan Recommendations

Natural & Cultural Resources Impacts

Traffic Impacts

Public Utility Impacts


Sewer This site currently uses a private force main and connects to City sewer within pump station service area #606. There is an existing 8-inch City gravity sanitary sewer main within Weybridge Drive.

Planning Commission

• Staff received five letters of support and a letter of opposition with 12 signatures from seven residences. The opposition noted concerns related to traffic congestion, incompatibility with the character of the community, and excessive noise.

• As required by the Zoning Ordinance, the public notice sign(s) was placed on the property on November 9, 2020.

• As required by State Code, this item was advertised in the Virginian-Pilot Beacon on Sundays, November 22, 2020 and November 29, 2020.

• As required by City Code, the adjacent property owners were notified regarding the request and the date of the Planning Commission public hearing on November 23, 2020.

• This Staff report, as well as all reports for this Planning Commission’s meeting, was posted on the Commission’s webpage of www.vbgov.com/pc on December 3, 2020.

Public Outreach Information


Site Layout of November 17, 2015 Modification of Conditions


Exhibit A – Petting Farm & Recreation Map


Hunt Club Farm Special Event Parking


Special Event Traffic Management Plan


BUILDING CODE (Condition #23)

To ensure the safety of the visitors to Hunt Club Farm, all structures and facilities associated with the operation need to be in compliance with the Building Code. As part of this evaluation process, the City Building Official reviewed the site and issued the following comments and requirements.

• Bathroom facility- A public bathroom facility has been constructed. In cases of special events, portable facilities will be allowed. As other buildings obtain certificates of occupancy with established occupant loads, additional

permanent restrooms may be required. This will be determined by the City Building Official. • Front Barn-

The main open space will be designated as Use Group A-3, Assembly/banquet hall, in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). Per USBC Section 903.2.1.3, a sprinkler system is not required if total occupant load is less than 300. The applicant shall provide documentation as to keeping occupancy under 300, or installing the required sprinkler system. Emergency lights and exit signs must be installed where required.

Office areas will be considered incidental to the main use of the building. No food is to be cooked in the snack bar area. In accordance with associated approvals, food may be

cooked outside the building (i.e. BBQ). A certificate of occupancy is required to ensure compliance with conditions stated above.

• Farm market- A floor plan indicating the current and proposed uses will be required as will a revised certificate of

occupancy. • Camp Clubhouse-

Permit filed, tax records and information submitted by the applicant indicate the use of this building has changed from a barn and/or residence, to an area open to the public.

Complete building/floor plans need to be submitted for review and permit to ensure compliance with assembly areas, as well as residential.

A certificate of occupancy must be obtained.

• Greenhouse- This structure is to remain open, with roof only (no side enclosures). The intended use is similar in

nature to a picnic shelter. Any change in use will require compliance with all assembly code provisions.

• Village of the Dead- These structures are classified as “Special Amusement Buildings”, under Section 411 of the USBC. The Village of the Dead is surrounded with a perimeter fence, self-directed and only has three

structures occupied by the public. Due to the size of these structures, sprinklers will not be required, but a detection system will. All other structures are occupied by trained actors/employees.

Applicant will need to provide documentation that exit and emergency lighting is installed and operational.

A building permit/certificate of occupancy is required to ensure compliance with the amusement building code provisions. Compliance includes the following:

Compliance with the prescribed operational process will be included as part of the certificate of occupancy. This will include occupant loads.

Annual inspections are required for all the amusement buildings and devices, as per the USBC. (this now includes inflatables)

All new and/or replacement decorations and fixtures are required to have a Class “A” fire-resistant rating.

• Haunted Hayride and Field of Screams-

Building Code


The structures associated with these activities are considered Special Amusement Buildings, without roof.

The structures will need to be inspected annually. • Christmas Barn-

This building is classified as a Special Amusement Building under Section 411 of the USBC. The building will only be open to the public from Thanksgiving through December 31st. Special Amusement Buildings over 4,800 square feet are to be protected with a sprinkler system.

Alternate compliance options, such as a fire alarm system, may be considered once the building/floor plans have been submitted for review.

An operational plan, similar to the Village of the Dead, is to be submitted and included as part of the certificate of occupancy.

Building permits/certificate of occupancy must be obtained. • Accessibility-

All buildings will be required to provide appropriate accessibility as specified in the USBC.


FIRE/LIFE SAFETY (Condition #25)

Given the number of events and magnitude of the expected attendance at Hunt Club Farm, it is necessary to give careful consideration to the life safety procedures that will be put in place to ensure the safety of all visitors and employees. Generated from multiple meetings with the applicant, Fire Prevention Bureau and the Planning Department, the following life safety conditions are to be considered for the effective preparation, operation and continued inspection of the facilities at Hunt Club Farm. Staff feels the implementation of the following life safety procedures is acceptable.

• Emergency Operation Plan- Hunt Club Farm shall have an emergency plan developed for the entire venue with specific

subsections for each event that occurs on site, in accordance with Chapter 4 of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.

A site plan shall be included with the plan for each event. The emergency plan shall be updated annually, or as changes are made to events.

• Site Inspections- The entire venue site shall be inspected by the Fire Prevention Bureau annually. This inspection

shall be performed completely independent of all other inspections. The Fire Prevention Bureau shall reserve the right to inspect all events on site that are approved

through this Use Permit, including the 24 additional charity fundraisers/special events. These inspections are considered life safety inspections and will not be considered an annual fire inspection for the entire venue site.

Specific events that shall be inspected include, but are not limited to: Any event with flaming effects, pyrotechnics, or fireworks. If these events are not covered

under a Special Events Permit, a permit shall be obtained from the Fire Prevention Bureau. Any event that will generate large crowds and that can impact the surrounding community. Any event covered under a Special Events Permit.

• Fire Attendant- The fire attendant is a designated person who is responsible for monitoring and extinguishing

recreational and/or bonfires that are part of publically attended events or festivals on the property. The following is a description of the requirements/job functions associated with the position.

Fire attendants shall be a minimum of 18 years of age Fire attendants shall read and understand all requirements set forth in the Virginia

Statewide Fire Prevention Code pertaining to open burning and related activities specifically pertaining to solid fuel lines.

Fire attendants shall be required to maintain fires from ignition until they are fully extinguished.

Fire attendants shall be readily identifiable at all times. This designee is not to handle any other job functions while handling the duties of a fire

attendant. • Life Safety Manager-

The Life Safety Manager is a designated person who is responsible for monitoring general life safety for the general public and employees. The following is a description of the requirements/job functions associated with the position.

Life Safety Managers shall be responsible for assisting the public and employees with emergency evacuations.

Life Safety Managers shall be responsible for a pre-event safety walkthrough. Life Safety Managers shall be responsible for making notification and correction of any

life safety violations found. Life Safety Managers shall be responsible for making notification to command regarding

any emergencies that occur (medical or otherwise) Personnel shall be identifiable to the public and employees. Life Safety Managers shall be able to communicate at all times with the command center.

Fire/Life Safety


Life Safety Managers shall be knowledgeable and competent with the written emergency plan and procedures for the venue.

Life Safety Managers shall be knowledgeable and competent in the use of all theatrical props (open flames, hydraulics, pyrotechnics)


Site Photos


Disclosure Statement


• Upon receiving a recommendation from Planning Commission, this request will be scheduled for a City Council

public hearing. Staff will inform the applicant and/or their representative of the date of the hearing in the upcoming days.

• Following City Council’s decision, the applicant will receive a decision letter from Staff.

• Once the conditions of approval are in place and/or completed, the applicant must contact the Zoning Division of the Planning Department to obtain verification that the conditions have been met. Contact the Zoning Division at 757-385-8074.

• If the request requires land disturbance and/or a subdivision of property, please contact the Development Services Center (DSC) to discuss next steps for site plan/plat review. Contact the DSC at 757-385-4621 or the Development Liaison Team at 757-385-8610.

• Please note that further conditions may be required during the administration of applicable City Ordinances and Standards. Any site plan submitted with this application may require revision during detailed site plan review to meet all applicable City Codes and Standards. All applicable permits required by the City Code, including those administered by the Department of Planning / Development Services Center and Department of Planning / Permits and Inspections Division, and the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, are required before any approvals allowed by this application are valid.

• The applicant is encouraged to contact and work with the Crime Prevention Office within the Police Department for crime prevention techniques and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) concepts and strategies as they pertain to this site.

Next Steps

background & summary of proposal · 2020. 12. 9. · background & summary of proposal ....

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