A special events use may be established as a principal use on any parcel in the AG-5, AGR, and RSL Zoning Districts subject to special exception approval and the following standards:
(A) Application.
(1) Compliance with the site plan review requirements, § 153.046, of this code. All applications must be signed by the property owner or designated agent.
(2) Letters of coordination from the following agencies shall be submitted during site plan review: State Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), County Sheriff’s Department, the County or Town Building Inspections Department, County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the appropriate fire service provider for the subject property, and a designated solid waste collection/disposal company or a letter indicating a private method of waste collection/disposal.
(B) Requirements. Special event sites shall comply with the following standards:
(1) The subject property or properties shall contain a minimum of two combined acres of highland area.
(2) All structures shall comply with the requirements of this chapter including but not limited to the density, intensity, and dimensional standards and accessory structure requirements.
(3) All parking shall be contained on the subject property or on an adjacent parcel. A recorded, parking agreement shall be required, if temporary off-street parking is provided on a parcel other than the subject property. At no time shall associated event parking be allowed in a public or private right-of-way.
(4) One on-premise sign, which identifies the subject property, shall be allowed in accordance with Table 153.341.E of this chapter. Off-premises signs are not allowed.
(5) The maximum occupancy of an individual permanent structure shall comply with the occupancy standards of the Town Building Code.
(6) All events shall adhere to the town of and/or county noise regulations and any other applicable town ordinances.
(7) In residential zoning districts, any existing or proposed structure shall retain a residential character.
(8) Special events on properties with less than five acres of highland and located in the AGR or RSL Zoning Districts shall be limited to the following types of special events: weddings, receptions, recitals, art exhibits, book readings, wine/food tasting events, and executive retreats. The Zoning Administrator shall be authorized to determine whether a proposed event not listed above is substantially similar to the aforementioned approved types of special events.
(C) Special exception approval criteria.
(1) Section 153.045(E)(1), Special exception approval criteria, shall not be used for special events use requests. Special events use requests may be approved only if the Board of Zoning Appeals finds that the proposed use:
(a) Will not adversely affect the general welfare or character of the immediate community;
(b) Does not hinder or endanger vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement on adjacent roads;
(c) Includes adequate provisions for items such as: setbacks and buffering (including fences and/or landscaping) to protect adjacent properties from the possible adverse influence of the proposed use, such as noise, vibration, dust glare, odor, traffic congestion, and similar factors;
(d) Where applicable, will be developed in a way that will preserve and incorporate any important natural features;
(e) The setup and disassembly of special events will not be detrimental to the surrounding community; and
(f) Includes sufficient safeguards for the use of temporary structures, if applicable.
(2) If the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approves a special events use, the BZA may attach to it such conditions regarding the location, character, or other features of the proposed building or structure as the Board may consider advisable to protect established property values in the surrounding area or to promote the public health, safety, or general welfare. Additionally, the Board of Zoning Appeals may require additional conditions of approval including, but not limited to: event days and hours, the number of events per calendar year, limitations on outdoor activities, parking, buffers, and use and location of temporary structures.
(3) If the proposed use is approved by the BZA, the Zoning/Planning Department shall provide written notification to the agencies listed in division (A)(2) above.
(Ord. 2012-06, § 6.7.4, passed 10-18-2012; Ord. 2013-02, passed 4-18-2013)