Has anyone dealt with zoning issues for disc golf courses? I'm wondering what sort of zoning requirements are needed so things like this don't happen.

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2012/jul/03/dalaiwood-disc-golf-course-to-close-sunday/

The article doesn't say if the Papas charged any fees for playing the course. If they do, I'd imagine they'd need to be zoned commercially in some way in order to run the course as a business. Even if they don't, the fact that they run a pro shop out of the garage might also require some sort of commercial zoning.

Beyond that, it's entirely up to the individual municipality to determine what zoning is required for particular land use. I know the owner of the course here has had different experiences in each town he's approached regarding building a pay-for-play disc golf business. In one town, he had to prove it was just like golf to get zoning approval. In another, he had to argue that it was nothing at all like golf because the zoning specifically disallowed a golf course (but not other recreational use like mini-golf or paintball or a ropes course).

There just isn't a catch-all answer to the question. It's up to the person looking to build the course to explore the local requirements and restrictions.

Many courses are in rural areas where there is no zoning. My course (Hyzer Creek) is in a town which has no zoning at all. Might be something to look for in a location

i am dealing with zoning issues at the present time with regard to my property in Warwick, NY across the street from the 2 Warwick courses located in the Town of Warwick park.

i bought a 48-acre property in November of 2011 with the intention of creating a unique gathering spot where folks could come grow food, consume food using our home-grown ingredients, recreate (including disc golf on an 18-hole course), and then crash overnite in unique glamping (glamorous camping) accomodations.

the property is located in an Agricultural District but is zoned Rural. it is located adjacent to and across the street from the town's major park where soccer and baseball and disc golf are the main recreational activities.

i received a Notice of Violation last week for "operating a business in a rural zone without the required planning board approval". i believe the violation is based on incorrect interpretations on the part of the town's bldg inspector who formed conclusions from a less-than-thorough investigation. my biggest issue with the violation is that i do not charge any fees to play on my course so i'm not sure how it could be determined that this is a business. if a neighbor has a pool and a volleyball net and invites his/her friends to come play is that a business?

i have actually been in the process of doing my own due diligence and taking the necessary steps prior to applying to the Planning Board for the proper permits and approvals so that i can legitimately create all the Grow, Play, Eat, and Crash aspects of my vision. Unfortunately, the process is INCREDIBLY grueling in terms of fees, paperwork, and planning so it will take awhile. I am hopeful that the positive impact the 2 existing disc golf courses have had on the Town in so many ways will allow me to get my approvals without a lot of unnecessary bureaucratic hassles.

i will post as updates are available.

Dan Doyle
Warwick, NY