Buchanan Town Council agreed to several changes to the definition of an “open air market” in its zoning ordinance Monday night, opening the door for Buchanan Flea Market to host various events without having to make applications for the events in the future.
The new definition for open-air market also now includes “special outdoor events.” Those events may be outdoor meetings, revivals, carnivals, picnics and special outdoor entertainment.
The decision to consider a change to the definition of an open-air market came in June when council decided to hold a public hearing on making a change.
Two requests in May to use the Town Park for private functions— a community revival and a veterans event— led to discussions about how those events could be accommodated. Town Park policy does not allow use for large private events.
The flea market is allowed under the open-air market designation in the town zoning ordinance, but a proposed Buchanan Area Ministerial Association community revival in 2019 and New Freedom Farm’s request to have a veterans event next year did not meet the criteria for that use.
Tim Young and Wally Muterspaugh had their special use permit updated to what they thought allowed “other events,” but those were not defined until the zoning ordinance change during Monday night’s special council meeting.
There are some limitations with the ordinance change.
Special outdoor events over two successive days are allowed, but events lasting up to five successive days are limited to eight hours each day.
No more than 12 special outdoor events are allowed on a single property during a calendar year.
The ordinance also says, “Reasonable efforts shall be made to not schedule special outdoor events on dates which conflict with regular scheduled town-sponsored events.”
The ordinance also requires the property owner to notify the town in writing at least 30 days in advance when an event is expected to attract over 1,000 persons. That requirement is so the town can prepare for the event should officials feel it is necessary.
The ordinance also limits amplified music to Fridays and Saturdays, and events will comply with the town’s noise ordinance.
