Forsyth County › Unified Development Code

Chapter 15 — Agricultural Districts, Article 3 — REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS AND SPECIAL EVENT FACILITIES

current as of 2026-04-02currency checked manuallyOfficialofficial source ↗4 sections · full chapter

§ 15-3.1

Purpose and Intent.

The purpose of this Article is to establish regulations relating to the operation and management of special events and special event facilities so as to address potential impacts to residents and visitors, and ensure minimal disruption to neighboring property owners. For various reasons, including but not limited to size or special requirements, some special events may be held at a special event facility which is permitted to offer additional uses including overnight accommodation. Due to this elevated intensity, special event facilities are subject to the additional requirements below.

§ 15-3.2

Special Events.

(A)A special event shall not occur on property that is less than five (5) acres in size.

(B)Hours of operation of a special event shall be between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., excluding event preparation and clean-up.

(C)Cleanliness of the entire site shall be maintained by removing any trash, rubbish, or other debris deposited on the site promptly following the event.

(D)All special events shall comply with the Forsyth County Noise Ordinance.

(E)All special event parking shall be fully contained within the A-1 property. Special event parking shall not occur within or along governmentally-owned right of way.

(F)Any alcohol sales or consumption at a special event shall comply with the Forsyth County Alcohol Code and applicable State law.

(G)Catered special events shall comply with all Forsyth County Health Department regulations.

(H)A special event shall provide adequate potable water and sanitary waste disposal systems as determined by the Forsyth County Health Department.

(I)Tents, pavilions, and other temporary structures used during a special event shall comply with Forsyth County Fire Marshall regulations.

(J)Conservation easements and covenants.

(1)If a property owner chooses to conduct special events on property that is otherwise subject to a conservation easement, the property owner should consider and conclude whether the special event may constitute a violation of the easement.

(2)If a property owner chooses to conduct special events on property that is otherwise subject to a covenant regarding a bona fide conservation use on property, the property owner should consider and conclude whether the special event may constitute a violation or breach of that conservation use.

§ 15-3.3

Special Event Facilities.

In addition to the requirements set forth in 15-3.2, the following shall apply with respect to special event facilities:

(A)A maximum of two (2) special event lodging units per acre of land are permitted for overnight lodging accommodations for use by guests of a special event held at the special event facility.

(B)Special event lodging units permitted in conjunction with a special event facility shall be limited to use by guests of a special event held at the special event facility. No special event lodging unit(s) permitted pursuant to subsection (B) shall be rented or otherwise used as a separate dwelling unit.

(C)Mobile homes are prohibited for use as a special event lodging unit.

(D)The maximum length of stay shall span no longer that two (2) days prior and two (2) days after the event has occurred. Guests are prohibited from staying overnight at a special event lodging unit for more than seven (7) consecutive days.

(E)All structures associated with a special event facility shall adhere to commercial building permit requirements.

(F)A minimum buffer of twenty-five (25) feet shall apply to the side and rear of the property. As part of the Board’s consideration of a special event facility, the Board may include a zoning condition increasing the size of the buffer where determined appropriate.

(G)Pervious material, including the use of gravel, is encouraged for overflow parking areas.

§ 15-3.4

Hotel/Motel Excise Taxes.

The Forsyth County Code, Sec. 74-31, requires structures that wholly or partially contain guestrooms for rent pay an excise tax to Forsyth County. As part of the Board’s consideration of a special event facility, the Board may consider the extent to which a proposed facility will contain guestrooms for rent subject to the tax. The Board may include a condition specifying that a special event facility is considered a hotel or guestroom establishment under Sec. 74-31. For purposes of this paragraph, the definitions of guestroom, hotel, and rent shall be as set forth in Forsyth County Code, Sec. 74-34. Nothing in this paragraph shall require the Board to make such a finding nor shall the omission of such a condition exempt an entity from paying the excise tax if they otherwise satisfy the requirements of Sec. 74-31.

ARTICLE IV, AGRITOURISM: