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There appears to be a growing need for indoor
sports/activity facilities. In the last several months, we
have had three inquiries about indoor sport/activity
centers. One person wants to establish an indoor soccer
field for youth soccer. Another person wants a facility for
dance, gymnastics, a game room (video games, ping pong,
etc.), and meeting rooms for groups such as scouts. Another
wants to construct three indoor soccer fields and three
basketball courts.
Staff’s initial response is to not define indoor
sport/activities center in order to allow flexibility to
respond to needs and creative proposals. Conversely, the
staff recommends that such uses be allowed by special permit
or special exception in order to ensure that a proposed
facility is compatible with a proposed location.
The Board of Supervisors is requested to recommend the
zoning districts for such uses and appropriate conditions.
Fairfax County requires that such facilities: 1) have one
parking space per three persons of maximum occupancy load
plus one spot per employee; 2) not be located within 1,000
feet of any school; and 3) not be located within 100 feet of
any residence. It also admonishes the Board of Supervisors,
who issues the special exception, to consider: 1) hours of
operation; 2) a required adult/child ratio; and 3) a
limitation on amusement machines.
A specific zoning category applies over a general category.
Thus, the following categories allowed by the Fauquier
County Zoning Ordinance would apply in lieu of a new one for
generalized activities: bowling; private clubs; theaters;
pool and billiards, amusement arcade; skating rinks; and
dance halls.
However, the Board of Supervisors will want to consider
allowing accessory activities, including billiards and
arcade machines, at such facilities. A review of indoor
sports facilities in the Washington metropolitan area shows
that they are used for coaching and teaching, parties, and
meetings. Some have eating establishments and pro shops.
Such accessory uses were available, for example, at Hugo’s
when the skating rink was operational. It was available for
parties, had accessory game machines, and sold food and
miscellaneous skating accouterments. Similarly, Warrenton
Lanes allows parties, sells food and bowling equipment, and
has accessory game facilities. Other lanes also provide
coaching.
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