The Dorr Township Planning Commission Tuesday night agreed to schedule a public hearing at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, on the subject of wedding barns.
The commission has been having a number of discussions on the increasingly popular entertainment venues. After Lori Castello walked members through particulars of a proposed zoning ordinance amendment, it was decided to take the next step.
Prompting the action were requests from Kevin Mauer, who wants to build a barn building on his property near the corner of 16th Street and 142nd Avenue, and from Joe and Michelle Edsall who want to construct such a business on their 100-acre farm along 14th Street near the Dorr-Moline border.
Wedding barns, which have sprung up in Leighton, Hopkins and Monterey townships, are hosts for weddings, graduations and other special events. Their growing appeal is in providing a farm and rural atmosphere for a celebration.
However, the Lumberyard Events Center in the City of Wayland, will offer something a little different if it’s approved.
The Dorr Planning Commission intends to allow wedding barns as commercial buildings on land zoned rural agricultural with special use permits, which acknowledge the varieties of such facilities.
Commissioners had lengthy discussion Tuesday night on what kind of parking rules should apply and it was agreed that asphalt or concrete paving should not be required and opted instead for improved surfaces and allowing overflow parking on grass.
Former Township Trustee Patty Senneker insisted, “If it’s a commercial business and they’re making money on it, then it ought to be paved (just like businesses along 142nd Avenue).”
Maurer said, however, “We’re trying to create a concept of a farm feeling.”
Commissioner John Conklin, in supporting overflow parking on grass, pointed out, “Every fair you go to, they park you on the grass, and they have larger crowds (than wedding barns).”
Conklin said he favors promoting agricultural tourism and his colleagues appear to want to minimize restrictions.
Castello suggested it’s important to grant approval to “someone who can demonstrate they have sufficient screening from their neighbors.”
The businesses will need a minimum of 10 acres and provide minimal disruption for lighting and sound intrusions on neighbors.
