COURTHOUSE — The Planning Commission in August voted to recommend approval of a conditional use permit that would allow a wedding and event venue on a portion of a horse farm at the main intersection in rural Pungo.
A permit to allow assembly uses on a three-acre portion of the farm is sought by Mike and Megan Daubert, who want to build a 9,500 square-foot wedding venue and associated improvements, including a stormwater management pond and parking area, according to a city planning report.
The design of the venue would mirror the agricultural character of the area and be designed “similarly to a large barn,” according to the report.
“The Pungo crossroad area at the intersection of Princess Anne Road and Indian River Road is and has historically been the largest and most populated crossroad in the southern half of Virginia Beach,” the report says in recommending approval. “This makes it an appropriate location for non-residential uses that are at an appropriate scale and design in relation to the rural part of the city.”
In an email, the Dauberts on Thursday, Aug. 18 wrote that they are happy with the result at the Planning Commission.
“We put in a lot of time, work and energy into meetings with key stakeholders, community members and city planners to try and create the best possible plan for the commission,” they wrote, “and we are grateful that it was approved unanimously.”
Ultimately, the Dauberts hope to create a larger project at what currently is Back Bay Farms, incorporating the wedding venue into the farm environment and developing a 10-acre commercial area of village-style shops near the intersection of Indian River and Princess Anne roads.
The City Council is scheduled to consider the request on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
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