At the January 2017 Town Council meeting, the council voted to forward an item to develop language for agricultural special events facilities to the Planning Board. The Planning Board and Ordinance Subcommittee have held three meetings to date to develop this ordinance.

Norman Justice, who owns approximately 100 acres on Wood Road and has been farming the land for 48 years, would like to have the option to rent out part of his property for weddings, corporate and other events providing an additional revenue stream for agricultural properties such as Justice Farm.

These special event facilities would be located on property that is being used for agriculture and the property owner would have to show at least $10,000 of farm income in one of two years or three of five years. The owner/operator would also have to provide the Planning Office an event management plan for each event that referenced noise, lighting and traffic management.

A maximum of 25 events could be held each calendar year. The events would have to be held on lots of five or more acres that were dedicated to the special events. No portion of the event facility could be closer than 100 feet from the property line although the Planning Board may require a greater distance.