Events, photography venue OK’d in western Amherst County [Video]

A special events and photography venue on Buffalo Springs Turnpike in Amherst County has received a special exception permit from county officials.

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Dec. 17 to grant the zoning approval for Mark and Andrea Hamm to run the event operation on about 83 acres zoned A-1, agricultural residential. The property at 154 Buffalo Springs Turnpike is near U.S. 60 West and the Dodds Store Convenience Center.

Tyler Creasy, director of community development, said the county historically has deemed events and photography venues as a special exception, a zoning measure that requires public hearings by the county planning commission and board of supervisors.

Creasy said the Hamm property is farmland with cattle grazing and not many homes nearby.

“Staff does not believe the use would be a detriment to the community,” Creasy told supervisors.

Mark Hamm said he feels his site would appeal …