Pickens County approves conditional use permit for Lakeside Valley Vineyards with strict conditions

The Pickens County planning board voted to approve a conditional‑use permit for Lakeside Valley Vineyards on a 27‑acre parcel, allowing the farm winery to host private events with specific restrictions intended to limit noise and traffic impacts.

The board’s approval follows a detailed presentation from applicant Susan Anthony and planning staff. Anthony said the venue would be ancillary to a tasting room and vineyard and that she had canvassed neighbors: "We have agreement from at least 6 out of the 10 neighbors," she said, adding that the business model depends on limited events and on‑site residence. Staff described the conditions included in the permit: amplified music must be inside the building (except the ceremony), music must end by 9:30 p.m. except for New Year’s Eve, weddings are limited to 12 per year, attendance is limited to fire‑marshal capacity (staff estimated about 90 based on a 1,400‑square‑foot structure), and shuttles will be provided for events with more than about 50 guests.

Neighbors who spoke at the hearing praised the applicants’ outreach but pressed the board on traffic and safety concerns on Tabitha Drive. Ken Reuben and others described sections of the road as narrow — "It's definitely too narrow," one neighbor said — and questioned whether a legal right‑of‑way exists for parts of the driveway and road. Board members and staff advised residents to contact the county road department and commissioners for roadway remedies and said the fire marshal must approve occupancy for events.

Anthony told the board the winery must plant four acres and that "the average cost per acre to plant vines is $20,000," arguing that small events help make farm wineries financially viable. She said the driveway alone is about 1,600 feet from the residences on Tabitha Drive and reiterated commitments to sound mitigation and limited hours because she lives on site.

During board discussion, staff confirmed that the conditional use applies only to the event venue under the listed restrictions and that disallowed uses (animal hospitals, campgrounds, landfills, confined animal operations and similar uses) would not be permitted under this CU. A motion to approve the permit with the enumerated restrictions passed after roll call; one commissioner recorded an opposed vote.

The permit requires the applicant to follow the listed conditions and to meet any fire‑marshal requirements before operating at higher occupancies. Neighbors were advised to report any ongoing complaints to the commissioners, who the board identified as the appropriate local officials to pursue road and enforcement remedies.

What happens next: with the planning board’s approval the conditional use will be forwarded according to county procedure (the video record and staff files were entered into the record). The applicant said she is pursuing required building permits for a tasting room and will continue communicating with neighbors and the road department.