The York County Planning Commission voted 6-0 on Wednesday to recommend a York County bed and breakfast receive approval to begin hosting large-scale weddings and receptions.
The vote came after a brief discussion of Seaford’s Bay Tree Manor, the first bed and breakfast to apply for a permit to host the functions following a change of York County ordinance in July. The permit would allow for up to 160 guests on the premises during weddings and receptions, with much of the activity away from the sole property that abuts the bed and breakfast.
“It’s a perfect place and they’ve got experience doing it, so I support it,” said Commissioner Timothy McCulloch.
Commissioner Melissa Magowan said the standards for bed and breakfasts were thoroughly vetted when the ordinance changed, leaving her comfortable to vote in favor of the permit recommendation.
“The reason we pursued this is because we had people approach us who just kept saying [Bay Tree Manor] would be a perfect place [to get married],” said Paige Stephens, one of the bed and breakfast’s owners. “We’re looking to average about 12 events per year.”
She said most of the weddings average 100 guests or fewer. Commissioner Glenn Brazelton asked about bathroom accommodations for guests, to which Stephens replied there are two bathrooms inside and a portable toilet that can be setup outside in a location obscured from view.
If approved, the weddings can run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with one wedding per day and no more than two per week. Prior to the change in county ordinance, bed and breakfasts were allowed to host weddings, but the only people who could attend were those who were registered guests of the establishment.
The matter will likely go before the York County Board of Supervisors at their Nov. 19 meeting. The supervisors will then make a decision whether to issue a permit.
Related Coverage:
Bay Tree Manor Asks for Permit to Host Large-Scale Weddings, Receptions
York Supervisors Approve Large-Scale Events at Bed and Breakfasts
