Thread: Haunted woods questions

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Hello,
This year I am trying to build my first haunt I am planning a 10 acre haunted forest at a rural house in Spotsylvania, Virginia and have contacted the local zoning in my county and they want me to write them a letter before they can approve it. So, with that said, I am wondering what needs to be done to make this happen?Is there anything I should say or not say to help them tell me yes? I know I need insurance, but for the ordinances, do you know if it's hard to get done? It will be an outside event, so I don't imagine fire codes will be too strict. Its a dream of mine to open a haunt, and any info or if you could point me to links or anything, would be deeply appreciated!

If I go the "donation" route, where we dont charge a set admission, can you get pass this? Or, if we use our profits for charity will this help? Thanks

Every place usually has their own set of ordinances, i.e. my rules will likely be a little different here than what yours are there. So check what yours are carefully and make sure you have an answer for everything.

Insurance is a must. I haunt in a cornfield maze (it's not like a stroll through the mall) but we try to make our paths as level, safe and wheelchair accessable. Still every year we have a couple of people who "sprain" their anckles. Still we Usually we just pay their medical bills out of pocket and hope they don't sue us. Also "donations only and profits for charity" won't save you from people who are bound and determined not to take PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for THEIR VOLONTARY ACTIONS. (boy can I rant on this ) If I were you I'd consider forming an LLC to at least protect yourself personally. Profits or even partial profits are a positive not to mention just a morally good thing.

Hope you can successfully jump all the hoops and have your trail

BTW...If you are interested, some of the haunt stuff I do in the maze will work perfectly for a haunted trail. I'd be happy to share and/or trade ideas and info w/you.

Thanks much for the info.. Im taking my plans to the county tommorow ...crosses fingers....

good luck!