Local events, when well attended, can be a tremendous source of revenue for the hosts. Last week, the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors took a look at a number of proposed zoning text amendments to define parameters and regulations for smaller events and the venues involved.

Kelly De Jesus, the Land Use Administration’s Assistant Planning Director, presented the matter to the Board.

“The intention behind the ordinance amendment was to expand the permitted uses within the zoning ordinance so that property owners can utilize their property as they see fit,” De Jesus explained. “It defines an event venue as ‘a business establishment for hosting social, cultural, or community gatherings such as weddings, receptions, banquets, meetings, or similar events. The use provides indoor or outdoor spaces for assembly, dining, and entertainment while maintaining a scale, appearance, and operation compatible with surrounding adjacent land uses.’” De Jesus noted that there had been some questions about the difference between “special events” and an “event venue,” at least as far as the ordinances would be concerned.

“The special event is an item-by-item or case-by-case basis, while the event venue is a permanent business establishment that can be revisited annually so as to make sure there are no hiccups with the approved permit,” the assistant planning director continued. “Some special events can be approved administratively, but all event venues have to go before the Board of Supervisors for approval.”

Bryan Oliff, the owner of Angelo’s Restaurant in Montross, frequently caters small events. In recent years, Oliff raised roughly $20,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project, and he laid out some issues he had.

“Recently I took interest in a piece of property where I’ve been thinking of doing a lot of catering as well as holding some things there for the County to help various organizations hold events, such as fundraisers,” Oliff stated. “I do a lot of fundraising for a number of different things, and I’d like to be able to do these at that property.

“The 200-foot setback might deter me, however. I think it should be chosen by you guys or, if I have permission from the neighboring landowners, it should be okay to have this in less footage than required. Also, the five-acre requirement is ridiculous. The property I’m looking at is four acres—we’ve got plenty of parking on the grass.

“I’m just trying to do things for the community to get this place rocking and for myself as well,” he added.

The zoning regulation that Oliff took issue with was one that required an event venue to put at least 200 feet between it and any property line in an AC, RC, or A-1 zoning district. “Any new business in the County helps the community and helps organizations. Bryan has always done a good job of anything he’s ever catered. Any of us that have eaten his food know that,” Supervisor W. W. Hynson noted.

After consulting with county attorney Richard Stuart, the Board decided the amendments needed to be sent back for extra input and clarification, particularly with regard to the setback and acreage.