Whether they are called wedding barns or event barns, the venues are becoming terrifically popular in more rural areas, such as in Allegan County.
The Dorr Township Planning Commission, prompted by two specific requests to establish such facilities, went through a thorough preliminary examination Tuesday night of an ordinance amendment that would permit wedding or event barns as commercial rural businesses within its borders.
Lori Castello of Professional Code Inspections walked commission members through a process that would help determine what kind of rules they would like to establish. Castello then told them she would craft a proposed ordinance amendment for their consideration at their April meeting and perhaps a public hearing could be called as early as May.
Kevin Mauer wants to build a barn building on his property near the corner of 16th Street and 142nd Avenue. He said wedding barns are growing in popularity and he’d like to establish one to be host for weddings, graduations and other special events.
Joe and Michelle Edsall also want to construct such a business on their 100-acre farm along 14th Street near the Dorr-Moline border.
Event or wedding barns now exist in Hopkins Township, Monterey Township, the Green Lake area, Heath Township and one is nearing final approval in the City of Wayland, at the former Smith Lumber & Coal building.
Castello presented a checklist for conditions to accommodate the barns, including minimum acreage, under what zoning they would be appropriate, parking regulations, lighting and other regulations. It was agreed that the most important consideration is to avoid any conflicts with neighbors over public safety, traffic, noise and lighting.
Dorr Township appears to want to minimize restrictions otherwise.
Commissioner John Conklin explained, “We don’t want this to be cost prohibitive for people to open up shop,” insisting the barns could fill peoples’ wants and provide something more for Dorr to offer in the way of agricultural tourism.
Mauer added that adding too many restrictions in areas such as lighting parking and minimum acreage could defeat the purpose.
“Everybody wants this (the business) to look rural,” he said.
Castello suggested it’s important to grant approval to “someone who can demonstrate they have sufficient screening from their neighbors.”
Also getting a lot of support was to have barns located in parcels zoned rural estates, a 10-acre minimum and applicants to seek special uses. Commissioners indicated they want to treat each applicant on a case-by-case basis.
