City zoneing ???

[unihaunter]

We met with city zoning the other day about a new location that is zoned gmc r8.Since there has never been a haunted house in the city no where is zoned for it.He said we could go before the board and try to have haunted house added to the uses for gmc zoned property.He called it a text change to the code.Has anyone done this before is there a right way to sell this to the board.I kinda feel like I am going to court with no lawyer.We want to keep H/H open all year and rent the other buildings for homecomings birthday parties weddings etc to the public.Should I tell them all this in the application.This place is an old textile mill [Carolina Mills] its perfect 2 small buildings 1 big building over 100,000sq ft 5 acres of land beside the river lots of parking and its beside the city park.I know somtimes its not what you do its how you do the paper work.I just want to do everything the right way if there is one. Never had to deal with city.Any help?

[soultrkr]

Do you have any friends whom are lawyers or on the board by chance?
I would say for sure make sure you list the Economic bonuses of the haunt in the city. These bonuses include people will travel from outside the city into the city. They will probally eat there maybe grab gas and may go shopping aswell. The draw of an Entertainment Attraction can draw money into the city's economy that would not have been there normally.

[imax]

Try selling yourself as an entertainment facility (which is exactly what you are - your lights are just off!). They should be able to classify you under the same zoning as your movie theaters, indoor mini-golf, etc. Be aware the commercial codes will apply to you, so make sure any facility you choose is up to par.

Good luck, be nice, and be flexible.

-- I

[Badger]

Is this going to be a temporary or permanent place? You may be able to get a temporary variance if you're only going to be open for a few weeks a year. A good real estate or business lawyer should be able to help you with that too.


I know someone in Lincolnton that might be able to help you. Drop me a line

[Jim Warfield]

I had a brother-in-law

Who discovered a prime location for a certain style of fast food/entertainment restaurant.
He got a meeting with a big shot from the company, took him for a ride to show him the location idea, he wanted to be a partner in it.
The big shot bought the land , built the place and never called or gave my Brother-in-law even a thank you card.
You potential haunt location sounds like a winner from here, maybe too good.
Good Luck.

[unihaunter]

Thanks

Hey thanks guys. Badger it will be a permanent move not going if I can't stay.Your right Jim it does seem almost to good.The man who owns it helped us years ago and is willing to let us rent part of it by the month nolease and if we make money we will rent more with option to buy.If we can just get started we will have alot of room to grow.He just wants something in these empty buildings nobody wants a textile mill anymore.I been reading the minutes of other meetings doesn't seem to be that big of deal.Thanks......... Anymore thoughts on this anyone.