A controversial Orange County project will go back before the county’s Board of Adjustment on Monday night.

Community members near Morrow Mill Road have been concerned for nearly an entire year about a proposal that would bring a wedding venue to the area.

The Barn of Chapel Hill is billed as a wedding venue by the owners but those who opposed the project prefer the term “party barn.” The proposal first went before the planning board last year in a meeting that was attended by many residents voicing opposition.

The owner’s of the 22-acre property applied for a Special Use Permit for the project. That application was denied by the county Board of Adjustment. But the barn owners do not need the permit approval to move forward because the property is classified as a “bona-fide” farm.

A local organization, Preserve Rural Orange, has been leading the fight against the Barn of Chapel Hill. A release from the group says three neighboring landowners are appealing Orange County planning staff’s decision that no zoning approval is required for property owners to construct the venue.

The property owners told WCHL earlier this year that they believed they did not need county approval but said they wanted to go through an open process to hear concerns from the neighbors.

In that interview, one of the property owners – Kara Brewer – said they were working to develop the barn “without being a nuisance to the community.” Brewer said, at the time, the property had two bee hives with hopes they would begin to sell honey in 2017. They had also had hopes of selling other products, including flowers next year.

The neighbor’s appeal is set to be heard by the county Board of Adjustment at 7:30 Monday night on the lower level of the West Campus Building at 131 West Margaret Lane in Hillsborough.

Related Stories
‹
Future of Debated Event Space Uncertain
The Barn of Chapel Hill has 17 weddings scheduled beginning this summer at its rustic venue, but they may not happen. The Board of Adjustment determined Monday night that the barn could not host weddings or retreats. “I’m not entirely sure what the decision or what the written decision is going to be from what the […]
2 Shot at Orange County Barn Party
An 18-year-old female was airlifted to UNC Hospitals with life-threatening injuries early Sunday morning after a shooting at a barn party in Cedar Grove, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were dispatched to a report of a “gunshot injury at a party barn” at 1:18 a.m. Sunday, according to law enforcement. When deputies […]
The Morning News: Faith Hedgepeth Trial, Early Voting, UNC Football
In today's news: more DNA evidence in the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial, and extremely high turnout on the first day of early voting.
Hillsborough Mayor Calls for Release of 19-Year-Old Orange High School Graduate Detained by ICE
Hillsborough mayor Mark Bell has issued a statement in support of 19-year-old Isaac Gallegos, an Orange High School graduate and Hillsborough resident who is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Gallegos has been detained since Wednesday, Oct. 7. Read Bell’s full statement below: On behalf of the Town of Hillsborough, I […]
Orange County: Chair of the Commissioners Jean Hamilton and State Senator Jonah Garson
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton and State Senator Jonah Garson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, October 14. In this extended conversation, they discussed a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap the income tax rate at 3.5% in the state. They talked about the potential implications of this for local and state governments to fund mandatory services for citizens, and more.
The Morning News: Election Approaching, Stolen Car Crashing - New Cradle Opening?
Get-out-the-vote efforts are underway for the 2026 election - including a concert at the site Cat's Cradle is developing as a third venue.
Early Voting in the 2026 General Election; Where to Go in Orange, Durham, and Chatham Counties
Early voting for North Carolina's general election begins on Thursday. Here is what you need to know to cast your vote.
The Morning News: Faith Hedgepeth Trial, Affordable Housing, UNC Football
In today's news: the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial continues, and a local nonprofit cuts the ribbon on four affordable homes.
The Morning News: Orange County Property Revaluation, ICE Arrest, UNC Basketball
In today's news: Orange County gets an audit on last year's property revaluation, and UNC basketball gets a big exhibition win.
Local Government Meetings: October 12-16, 2026
This week in local government: property valuation in Orange County, Chatham Park in Pittsboro, and Churton Street's future in Hillsborough.
›