HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP201500008 Review Comments Special Use Permit 2015-02-25A6h�M:M_ Mwiia
VIRGINIA OUTDOORS
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February 25, 2015
Roseland Farm, LLC
c/o David L. and Ellen C. King
996 Half Mile Branch
Crozet, VA 22932
Re: Virginia Outdoors Foundation Open -Space Easement (ALB -VOF -822)
Dear Mr. and Mrs. King,
On behalf of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF), I am contacting you regarding the open -
space easement on Roseland Farm, LLC. We were recently contacted by Rachel Falkenstein,
Senior Planner with the Albemarle County Department of Community Development, concerning
the new Special Use Permit application (SP201500008) that was submitted to allow for up to
1,000 attendees at weekly polo matches hosted on the property.
Based upon review of the information provided by Ms. Falkenstein, VOF understands that:
• The polo matches are hosted one day a week on Sunday afternoons. The season extends
from May through October for 20 to 21 weeks.
• The polo matches are held weather - permitting beginning at 1:00pm. Attendees will be
limited to 1,000 spectators per week. Attendees will be present on the property from
12:00pm to 5:00pm.
• Polo matches are free of charge and the winery sells wine and water during events.
• Temporary parking occurs in fields marked weekly by cones and flagging. Spectators
tailgate from their vehicles in the designated parking areas.
• Portable toilets are provided and the existing winery restroom facilities are available.
• There is no public address system or amplified music.
Article 8 on Page 6 of the Deed of Gift Conservation Easement states:
" Industrial or commercial activities other than the following are prohibited: (A)
agriculture (including, but not limited to, animal husbandry and viticulture),
silviculture, or horticulture, (B) temporary or seasonal activities that do not
permanently alter the physical appearance of the Property and are consistent with
the conservation values protected by this Easement, (C) activities that can be and
in fact are conducted within buildings and structures permitted on the Property
under the terms of this Easement without material alteration to the external
appearance thereof (such as, but not limited to, the operation of an office either
within a dwelling or a non - residential outbuilding or appurtenance thereto, the
operation of a country inn or bed and breakfast, and the operation of a horse farm,
1010 Harris Street, Suite 4 1 Charlottesville, VA 22903 1 Office: (434)- 293 -7517 1 Email: thibbitts @vofonline.org
February 25, 2015
Roseland Farm, LLC
Page 2
which may include the raising, breeding, boarding, riding, purchase, and sale of
horses), (D) mining by methods permitted under the terms of this easement, (E) a
winery consistent with other wineries in the state of Virginia. Periodic food
catering is allowed, but a full service restaurant with regularly scheduled hours of
operation is prohibited. Regularly scheduled outdoor events by paid admission
that include food service or music are not allowed."
The easement allows for agricultural activities and operation of a horse farm. The weekly polo
matches open to the public will be considered a temporary or seasonal activity that does not
permanently alter the physical appearance of the property. From the previous polo matches that
have occurred on the property, the events are temporary in nature and do not permanently alter
the landscape. Based on the information provided, no permanent alterations are being made to
accommodate these events. Although the polo matches are regularly scheduled outdoor events,
they are free of charge and therefore are not by paid admission. The polo matches also do not
include food service or amplified music. VOF has determined that the weekly polo matches and
the plan to increase the allowed attendance to 1,000 spectators per week is consistent with the
terms of the easement.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the open -space easement
or the information provided above concerning the proposed Special Use Permit. I am always
available to provide assistance and can be reached in the Charlottesville office by phone at 434-
293 -7517 or by email at thibbittskvofonline.org.
Sincerely,
Tracy Hibbitts
Stewardship Specialist
cc: Rachel Falkenstein, Albemarle County
1010 Harris Street, Suite 4 1 Charlottesville, VA 22903 1 Office: (434)- 293 -7517 1 Email: thibbitts @vofonline.org