The Mathews County Planning Commission voted Tuesday night to support an amendment to the zoning ordinance that would change the definition of a temporary reception facility. The decision was made after a joint public hearing with the Mathews County Board of Supervisors.

If approved by county supervisors, the definition would read “Event venue: A portable shelter or permanent structure used on specified occasions that accommodates corporate events and social functions.”

Several people spoke against the change, fearing that it would make it easier to establish event venues in rural areas. However, planning commission member Danette Machen explained that the proposed change would not make it easier to establish event venues. Rather, it would simply make the definition more accurate. She said that a conditional use permit would still be required for such a venue.

Planning and Zoning Director Thomas Jenkins said further that the change would reflect the fact that the ordinan...