Zone agricultural land can be used as a wedding venue.
Renting your scenic barns or fields out for weddings is one of the ways farmland can produce income.The agricultural property needs to be rezoned so that it can be used for commercial ventures.To zone agricultural land for use as a wedding venue, you must complete and submit the appropriate application.Once you have the proper permits in place, you can host weddings on your land.
Step 1: Talk to your friends.
If you want to rezone your property, your neighbors can be your most bitter rivals.Keeping them informed of your plans every step of the way is the best way to get them on your side.In the early stages, let them know that you will keep them informed of developments.Give them the chance to ask questions, and do everything you can to assure them that the events you host won't cause any trouble.Ask your neighbors to support you.A brief contract that summarizes any agreements you've made with them could be a good idea.During late hours, your neighbors may be concerned about traffic and noise.You could promise them that you wouldn't host a wedding with more than 50 guests and that the events would end by 10 p.m.
Step 2: The forms should be obtained.
If you want your agricultural land to be used as a wedding venue, you have to complete certain forms in each county.Before you start the application process, make sure you read the forms carefully.You can host special events if you have a permit.The applications may have a higher chance of being approved.The number of events you can host each year is restricted by a permit.You can download applications from the website of your county clerk.If you can't find a website, contact your county's planning department to find out how to get a rezone application.If you want to find out more about the laws that delegatezoning changes, special exceptions, permits or variances to your town or city, you need to contact the officials.
Step 3: You have to complete your application.
Information about you, your property, and your proposed use or development are required for your application.If you have any difficulties, contact an attorney or land use expert.You will need the legal description of your property as it appears on your deed.It may be necessary to get a professional survey of your property if you plan to use locations near property boundaries.It may not be necessary to have all of your property rezoned, just the parts you plan to use as a wedding or special event venue.If you have a rustic barn on your property that you want to use as a wedding venue, but the barn and surrounding property only occupy one of your 20 acres, the remaining 19 acres don't need to be rezoned.
Step 4: You can submit your application.
There are specific submission guidelines that can vary greatly among states.You have to include all required documentation if you want to follow the correct procedures.You may have to submit a copy of your deed in addition to the application form.There should be a list of documents that constitute a complete application in the office where you submit your application.Before you turn your own records into the office, make at least one copy of everything you submit with your application.You will be expected to pay a fee when you submit your application.The date for your hearing will be scheduled when you submit your application.You should get a notice in the mail if it is scheduled after your application is processed.
Step 5: Notice should be given to interested parties.
While the board typically provides general public notice of all upcoming hearings, you may be responsible for providing personal notice to owners of neighboring property.The forms that must be used to give the required notice will be provided by the board.You have to give them a full copy of your application.A certain number of days or weeks before the hearing is scheduled to take place, there will be a deadline by which your neighbors must be notified.If you are responsible for providing notice, you must present proof of service to the board either before or at the hearing.
Step 6: You should consider hiring an attorney.
If you've never been to a zone hearing, it can be intimidating.If you have an attorney help you navigate the proceedings, you will have a better chance of getting your application approved.If you're looking for an attorney who has experience with rezoning applicants, look for a local one.Someone familiar with the board members will have a good idea of the types of information you need and the arguments that may convince them.If you don't know where to start, look at information from past hearings and check the names of any attorneys present.The attorney's directory on the website of your state or local bar association can be used to find an attorney.
Step 7: You should appear at the scheduled time and date.
If you want to know the location of your hearing, you should have a written notice from the board.You have time to find the correct hearing room if you arrive a half hour before the time listed.You still want to look professional even though there isn't a dress code.You don't have to wear a suit to a job interview, but it's worth considering the type of clothing you wear.You can find the documents you plan to bring easily if you organize them.When it's your turn to present your proposal, you should write an outline with detailed notes of what you will say to the board or commission.Think about the questions you might be asked.If you have time, you can attend another hearing to get a feel for the procedures and the questions the board members will ask.
Step 8: Give your proposal.
The board usually hears from you first since it's your application.You will tell the board what you want them to do.Go into detail about the types of events you want to host.Your hearing will start with a swearing-in ceremony.If you lie or distort the truth over the course of your presentation or answer any questions, you will face perjury charges.You will usually be asked to give a brief presentation after you are sworn in.The reasons you want to have your property rezoned will be summarized during this presentation.If your application is approved, tell the board everything you plan to do at your farm, including the size of the events and the space you have available.You might want to show photos of the structures and areas you plan to use as a wedding venue.
Step 9: Listen to other points of view while answering questions.
Members of the board will ask you questions about your application.Any member of the public who is against your application will have the opportunity to explain their position.Anyone who is present and has an interest in the proceeding can ask questions of anyone else.In addition to the board members themselves, you may find yourself fielding questions from neighbors or community members regarding your proposed use of your property.Other people can argue against your application.It's important not to interrupt or mumble comments when others are speaking.If you have something to say in response to someone's statement, raise your hand and wait until you are recognized by the board.
Step 10: Receive the board's decision.
The board won't let you know if they've decided to grant your proposal after the hearing.You will get written notice of the decision within a few weeks.If your application has been approved, you won't have to wait more than 45 days to find out.You will usually get a written notice from the board.Details about your new permit status will be included in the decision if your application is approved.Information on how you can appeal the decision should be included in the notice if your application was denied.
Step 11: If you want to appeal the decision, consider it.
If the board didn't approve your application, you can appeal it to an appeals board or other authority.If you want to appeal, you must do it quickly.You have 30 days to complete your forms and file your appeal.Review your board's decision notice.The judge in the county court will hear the appeal.You should hire an attorney if you haven't already done so.In some cases, abutters who object to the granting of your application may also file their own appeals, requesting that it be reconsidered and denied, perhaps due to some errors in the process or a perceived violation of law.
Step 12: Complying with regulatory standards can be achieved by retrofitting structures.
If you want to use your agricultural land as a wedding venue, you need to rezone it.Before you can host events, you need to make improvements to your property so it complies with safety and accessibility regulations.If you're building a structure such as a barn, it's important to consider safety and liability.If someone is injured at an event, make sure you have liability insurance.The accessibility concerns may be caused by narrow bridges or steps.You might have to build more accessible entries for people with disabilities.It should be a concern.Depending on the number of cars you can accommodate, the size of the event may be determined.Rain can make it difficult for wedding guests to park in a gravel lot of a field, so you may want to consider paving the parking area.The number of people you can safely host in a structure should be certified by a fire marshal or other inspector.This may apply to temporary tents that do not meet building code.
Step 13: Determine if you need other licenses.
Depending on the rules where your property is located, you may need other licenses to host weddings.The types of gatherings you plan to host may be a factor.If you plan on serving alcohol at a reception, you may need a permit.If the wedding party wants to have a bonfire or set off fireworks, you may need a permit.There are other issues that may arise from live or recorded music.Unless otherwise agreed with the performers or the DJ, the venue owner is responsible for obtaining the licenses.Take a look at the list of licenses in your area.Make a note to include it in your contract if you don't want to deal with it.
Step 14: A basic event contract can be drafted.
Before you start booking events, you need a basic contract that outlines the terms and conditions of renting your property.Any restrictions that are defined by the size of your property should be included in this contract.Potential clients should know that if they want to hold their event on your property, you don't have to have certain licenses.If you don't have an alcohol license, this should be included in your contract.Potential clients who want alcohol at their reception may prefer to have the ceremony at your location.You should note the days of the week your property is available and the times of day events can take place.List the limitations on the party size you can accommodate.Provisions regarding early access to the location to set up before the event should be included in the contract.If you want to rent your property for a wedding or other event, state in your contract the price you're willing to pay.
Step 15: Contact event planners.
Meeting and developing strong relationships with wedding and event planners in your area is the best way to find new clients once you're ready to start booking events.A basic internet search is the easiest way to find event planners.To find event planners in your area, review their websites to get a feel for the types of events they frequently plan.If you see an event planner who focuses on rustic occasions, or has previously planned a wedding on a farm or in a barn, put them on the top of your list.Give event planners an opportunity to come and tour your property and take pictures so they can sell it to potential clients.To get your property out there and help spread the word, you might want to offer a discount to your first few clients.