Special Exception

STATEMENT OF JUSTIFICATION

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (USA)

JALSA SITE

Fauquier County, Virginia

Applicant:

Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, Inc., USA

15000 Good Hope Road
Silver Spring, Maryland 20905

Prepared By:

Hinchey & Baines, PLC

R. Lee Baines, P.E.
125 East Davis Street
Suite 201
Culpeper, Virginia 22701
(540) 829-2220

November 14, 2018

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC)

The AMC worldwide
The AMC (USA) – The oldest American Muslim Community

Jalsa Salana
The Annual Gathering
Jalsa Salana (USA)

Site Description

Land Use
Existing Zoning and Use
Proposed Zoning and Use
Special Exception Required
Compliance with General Standards for Special Exceptions
Compliance with Category 9 Class B Special Exception Requirements
Event Action Plan

Site Design

Access and Transportation

Trip Generation

Environment

ATTACHMENTS
70th Jalsa Salana (USA) program (cover)
70th Jalsa Salana (USA) program (inside)
Photos of Site
THE AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY (AMC)

The AMC worldwide

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, fast growing international revival movement
within Islam. Founded in 1889, it spans over 200 countries with membership exceeding tens of
millions. Its current headquarters are in the United Kingdom.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long-
awaited Messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as)(1835-1908) of Qadian.
Ahmad(as) claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus(as) of Nazareth and the divine
guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad(sa). The Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community believes that God sent Ahmad(as), like Jesus(as), to end religious wars,
condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad’s(as) advent has brought
about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival. He divested Islam of fanatical beliefs and
practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings. He also recognized the
noble teachings of the great religious founders and saints, including Zoroaster(as), Abraham(as),
Moses(as), Jesus(as), Krishna(as), Buddha(as), Confucius(as), Lao Tzu and Guru Nanak, and explained
how such teachings converged into the one true Islam.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the leading Islamic organization to categorically
reject terrorism in any form. Over a century ago, Ahmad(as) emphatically declared that an
aggressive “jihad by the sword” has no place in Islam. In its place, he taught his followers to
wage a bloodless, intellectual “jihad of the pen” to defend Islam. To this end, Ahmad(as) penned
over 90 books and tens of thousands of letters, delivered hundreds of lectures, and engaged in
scores of public debates. His rigorous and rational defenses of Islam unsettled conventional
Muslim thinking. As part of its effort to revive Islam, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
continues to spread Ahmad’s(as) teachings of moderation and restraint in the face of bitter
opposition from parts of the Muslim world.
Similarly, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to endorse a
separation of mosque and state. Over a century ago, Ahmad(as) taught his followers to protect the
sanctity of both religion and government by becoming righteous souls as well as loyal citizens.
He cautioned against irrational interpretations of Quranic pronouncements and misapplications
of Islamic law. He continually voiced his concerns over protecting the rights of God’s creatures.
Today, it continues to be an advocate for universal human rights and protections for religious and
other minorities. It champions the empowerment and education of women. Its members are
among the most law-abiding, educated, and engaged Muslims in the world.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the foremost Islamic organization with a central spiritual
leader, known as the Khalifa of Islam. Over a century ago, Ahmad(as)reminded his followers of
God’s promise to safeguard the message of Islam through khilafat (the spiritual institution of
successorship to prophethood). The Community believes that only spiritual successorship of
Khilafat can uphold the true values of Islam and unite humanity. Five spiritual leaders have
succeeded Ahmad(as) since his demise in 1908. It’s fifth and current spiritual head, His Holiness
the Khalifa of Islam Mirza Masroor Ahmad, resides in the United Kingdom. Under the
leadership of Islamic Khilafat, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has now built over 16,000
mosques, over 500 schools, and over 30 hospitals. It has translated the Holy Quran into over 70
languages. It propagates the true teachings of Islam and the message of peace and tolerance
through a twenty-four hour satellite television channel (MTA), the Internet (alislam.org) and
print (Islam International Publications). The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been at the
forefront of worldwide disaster relief through an independent charitable organization, Humanity
First.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (World) https://www.alislam.org/

The AMC (USA) – The oldest American Muslim Community

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community United States was founded in 1920 by Mufti Muhammad
Sadiq. The first Jalsa Salana United States was held in 1948 in Dayton, Ohio and has been held
for over six consecutive decades.

In 2014, the U.S. House of Representatives formed the Ahmadiyya Muslim caucus. This
bipartisan effort addresses the global issue of human and civil rights of persecuted religious
minorities.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland. It
operates 73 chapters nationwide, including America’s oldest mosque, established in 1921 in
Chicago. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA’s Twitter media handle is @Islam_Press.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (USA) https://www.ahmadiyya.us/

JALSA SALANA

The Annual Gathering

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, under the leadership of its holy founder, Mirza Ghulam
Ahmad(as), held its first convention on December 27, 1891 in Qadian, India. Approximately 75
people attended the event. For over a century since then, the Community has held its Annual
Convention, or Jalsa Salana, in numerous countries around the world. Tens of thousands of
Community members gather at these conventions at various times throughout the year. The
principle aims of the Annual Convention are to facilitate greater spiritual awareness among
Community members, strengthen ties and promote peace. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) emphasized
the vital importance of the Annual Convention; “You must not rank this convention in the same
league as other ordinary human assemblies.”

"The primary purpose of this Convention is to enable every sincere individual to

personally experience religious benefits; They may enhance their knowledge and - due
to their being blessed and enabled by Allah, The Exalted - their perception [of Allah]
may progress. Among its secondary benefits is that this congregational meeting
together will promote mutual introduction among all brothers, and it will strengthen the
fraternal ties within this Community..."

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad

 Facebook post referencing 2017 Jalsa Salana (UK)

Jalsa Salana (USA)

AMC (USA) holds Jalsa Salana (USA) once every year during the summer and draws thousands
of member families of the AMC (USA) together from across the country. On July 13-15, 2018
AMC (USA) held the 70th Jalsa Salana (USA) at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (See attached program for 70th Jalsa Salana (USA) 2018) This location
has hosted Jalsa Salana (USA) for the past 15 years. For 10 years prior to that, Jalsa (USA) was
held at the Dulles Expo Center.
In recent years, many prominent leaders have attended the Annual Convention of the Community
in the USA, including members of Congress, White House officials, diplomats and other
dignitaries.
Jalsa Salana (USA) is an annual three-day, family-oriented event which includes prayer,
speakers, food and fellowship. Attendance for the event may be up to 5,000 people, consisting
mainly of family groups. Alcohol consumption is prohibited and there is no music associated
with the event. If needed, temporary outdoor lighting will be limited to parking and event areas
and will be downward shielded. Traffic control will be coordinated with local law enforcement
and Virginia Department of Transportation.
With the purchase of this Fauquier County property, AMC (USA) seeks to establish a permanent
home for Jalsa Salana (USA). In so doing, we will endeavor to bring economic stimulus, social
benefits and greater cultural diversity and understanding to Fauquier County. Although not the
primary objective of the convention, it will likely make a positive economic impact on local
lodging, restaurants and other tourist services and generate local tax revenues.
SITE DESCRIPTION

The project consists of the following seven (7) parcels which total 515.66 acres:

PIN Current Owner Zoning District Acreage

7903-12-0658 Oak Creek Farm LLC RA 159.00
7903-22-4502 Oak Creek Farm LLC RA 40.00
7903-12-0658 Oak Creek Farm LLC RA 64.20
6993-92-3603 Terrina M. Baker/Richard B. Wheeler RA 60.09
6993-73-3922 Terrina M. Baker/Richard B. Wheeler RA 190.36
6993-52-3737 Terrina M. Baker/Richard B. Wheeler RA 1.65
6993-52-2616 Terrina M. Baker/Richard B. Wheeler RA 0.36

A contract for purchase of the subject parcels was made between the owners/sellers, Richard B.
Wheeler/Terrina M. Baker/Oak Creek Farm LLC, and the applicant/buyer, Ahmadiyya
Movement in Islam, Inc. on September 8, 2018.

LAND USE
AMC (USA) proposes that the site will be used for four events during the year, Jalsa Salana and
three smaller member-focused retreats. Jalsa Salana is an AMC (USA) community-wide family-
oriented event held once annually in the summer, typically during the month of July. Three
smaller scale retreats will be held at the site, typically between August and October. Each of the
smaller scale retreats will be for focused groups within the membership: ladies of all ages, men
up to the age of 40 and elders (men 40 and above). All events are typically three days (Friday
through Sunday) in duration.

The Jalsa site will consist mainly of temporary structures; such as tents for gatherings, meals,
vendors and administrative and technical support functions; restroom trailers and portable
stages). A barn structure may be constructed onsite for storage of equipment. Temporary
structures will be erected and dismantled a short time prior to and after the event.

Although smaller in size and attendance, the Fauquier County event site for Jalsa Salana (USA)
is to be developed similar to the Jalsa site in the United Kingdom.
Existing Zoning and Use
All subject parcels are currently in the Rural Agriculture (RA) Zoning District and currently in
agricultural use. Agricultural use includes associated agricultural structures and two single-
family residential structures (located on PINs 6993-73-3922 and 7903-22-4502).

The Floodplain Overlay District is applicable to PIN 6993-92-3603. No other Special/Overlay

Districts apply to the subject parcels.
None of the subject parcels are located within a Service District.

Proposed Zoning and Use

The applicant proposes no change to the current zoning of the subject parcels.

The applicant proposes that the use areas indicated on the Concept Plan will be used for or will
be ancillary to the Spiritual Retreat area. All other areas, including single-family residences will
remain in their current use (agriculture and residential).

Type of Activity: Spiritual Retreat

Days of week: Friday, Saturday & Sunday (typical)
Hours of operation: 8:00 AM – 10:00PM
Estimated attendance: Retreats (up to 1,000)
Jalsa Salana (up to 5,000)

Special Exception Required

As determined by Fauquier County Zoning and discussed during the pre-application meeting
held on July 24, 2018, the proposed use has been classified as Category 9 – Outdoor Recreation,
Class B Spectator and Non-spectator Field Events and Activities subject to Section 5-915. This
use requires approval of a Special Exception in accordance with Fauquier County Zoning
Ordinance Article 5.

Compliance with General Standards for Special Exceptions

1. The proposed use will not adversely affect the use or development of neighboring
properties. Temporary structures, parking areas and areas of activity will be setback from
adjoining properties with the intention that they are visually and audibly screened by
existing vegetation and/or topography.
2. The proposed use shall be such that pedestrian and vehicular traffic generated will not be
hazardous or conflict with the existing and anticipated traffic in the neighborhood and on
the streets serving the site. No pedestrian traffic will leave the site. Vehicular traffic will
be minimized using carpooling and shuttles from local lodging. A traffic control plan
will be implemented to ensure safety and minimize conflicts with through traffic on
Meetze Road.
3. The applicant will comply with the current zoning district setbacks and utilize existing
vegetative and topographic screening.
4. Approximately 80% of the site will remain in agricultural/forestal use.
5. Onsite sanitary facilities (restroom trailers) and potable water (wells and/or portable
tanks) will be provided during an event. Stormwater mitigation will comply with
Virginia Stormwater Management Regulations and Fauquier County Stormwater
Management Ordinance. Natural surface parking facilities will be provided. ADA
compliant parking will also be provided at the site.
6. The applicant proposes no signs.
7. Since the applicant is purchasing the subject parcels for this particular use, it is the
applicant’s intent that the special exception be approved without a time limitation. The
 Fauquier County Comprehensive Plan Future Land Map indicates no anticipated change
in the future land use of the subject parcels or any adjoining parcels.
8. The proposed use will comply with the current water quantity and quality control
requirements of Virginia Stormwater Management Regulations; poses no danger to air
quality or surface waters and does not affect the potential use of any adjacent property.
9. The proposed use will comply with all other bulk regulations of the current zoning
district.

Compliance with Category 9 Class B Special Exception Requirements

The proposed use will comply with the following criteria for a Class B Spectator and Non-
spectator Field Event and Activity:

Maximum attendance: 5,000

Maximum duration of event: 3 days
Site size: approximately 515 acres
Road frontage: over 1,600’ along major collector (Meetze Road)
Structure setback from lot line: 100 feet

Event Action Plan

At least 30 days prior to each event, the applicant will provide an action plan to Fauquier County
Zoning Department outlining agreements/arrangements with Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office,
Virginia Department of Transportation, Fauquier County Emergency Services Coordinator and
Fauquier County Health Department to address the following logistical issues (as needed):
 Security
 Fire and Rescue
 Traffic Control
 Sanitation
 Refreshment Services

Any retail sales conducted on the property will be accessory and incidental to the permitted
activity or conducted by AMC (USA) – a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. As part of the
action plan, AMC (USA) will provide a name, address and contact person for each individual,
group, association, partnership or corporation which is expected to conduct retail sales at the
event.

SITE DESIGN
In general, it is intended that the property will continue to operate as an agricultural operation.
The site design will be scaled appropriately to the proposed intermittent short-term use and
minimize disturbed area.

Depending on the Site Option (please see Special Exception Plat) chosen, the existing entrance
would be improved to a paved commercial entrance. A series of existing and proposed gravel
roads will be utilized to access parts of the property for event parking. Parking areas are
proposed within existing open fields. Disturbance of these areas will be minimized. It is
desirable to have designated parking areas consist of a vegetated surface so that they can be used
agriculturally when not being used for events, however it may be more practical for these areas
to be gravel-surfaced. Pads for event structures may be graded and surfaced with gravel.

The event area and structures will be setback from property lines. Efforts will be made to locate
structures and parking such that existing vegetation and topography provide visual screening
from adjoining properties and the public highway.

ACCESS AND TRANSPORATION

Approximately one month prior to the event, the applicant will formulate a traffic control plan in
cooperation with Virginia Department of Transportation and Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office.
It is anticipated that event organizers will contract local law enforcement to provide traffic
control for the event. The traffic control plan will be provided to Fauquier County Zoning as part
of an Action Plan (previously described).

Trip Generation
Jalsa Salana attendees will generally consist of family units, which results in traffic consisting of
multiple-occupancy family vehicles. Event organizers also plan to provide shuttle services (high
capacity vans) from a variety of local hotels to the event site which will also minimize traffic.

Generally, attendees will arrive in the hour prior to the event, remain onsite for the entirety of the
event and depart in the hour following the event’s conclusion. Meals are provided on-site during
event programming.

We anticipate the peak traffic times to be in the hour immediately before and after the event:
In Out
Friday 11:00AM – 12:00PM 9:00PM – 10:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM – 10:00AM 9:00PM – 10:00PM
Sunday 9:00AM – 10:00AM 2:00PM – 3:00PM

Maximum attendance = 5,000

Average number persons per personal vehicle = 3.71
Average number persons per van shuttle = 9.38
Estimated daily vehicle trips = 1,049

% personal # personal % shuttles # shuttles Total vehicles

50% 674 50% 267 941
65% 876 35% 187 1,063
75% 1,011 25% 133 1,144

1. The calculation above is based on the maximum attendance of 5,000 persons.

2. Average number persons per personal vehicle is a weighted average based on vehicles
carrying between 2 and 8 persons.
3. “Average number of persons per van shuttle” is a weighted average based on 50% 12-
passenger vans and 50% 15 passenger vans (minus a driver) running at 75% capacity.
 4. “Estimated daily vehicle trips” is the average of the calculated total vehicle trips.

For the three smaller retreats, it is anticipated that there will be similar peak traffic times but
approximately 75-80% less traffic volume.

ENVIRONMENT
Environmental impacts will be minimized by reduced land disturbance and avoidance of
environmentally sensitive areas on the property.

Stormwater Management for any developed areas, if required, will comply with Fauquier County
Stormwater Management Ordinance and Virginia Stormwater Management Regulations.
Terminus of Turkey Run Road
Driveway entrance for 5320 Turkey Run Road on left.

Driveway entrance for 5320 Turkey Run Road

Entrance to be used for Jalsa Site (option #2).
5320 Turkey Run Road
House to remain. Jalsa Site (option #2) to be in field directly behind residence.

Field left of 5320 Turkey Run Road

Access to Jalsa Site (Option #2) will be through this field to an area behind the existing residence (right).
Turkey Run Road (looking toward Meetze Road)
Well-maintained paved road. Approximately 20-foot wide paved surface. Approximately 4,900 feet to
Meetze Rd)

Turkey Run Road

Looking toward Meetze Rd. Uncontrolled rail crossing. This is a dead-end service line only for Superior
Paving. Turkey Run Rd/Meetze Rd intersection seen in distance (approximately 850 feet).
Turkey Run Road
View (northeast) from Turkey Run Road/Meetze Road intersection. Rail crossing (raised roadway
section) is seen in distance.

Turkey Run Road/Meetze Road intersection

Walnut Grove Baptist Church to right.
Turkey Run Road/Meetze Road intersection
Looking northwest. Walnut Grove Baptist Church on right.

Turkey Run Road/Meetze Road intersection

Looking southeast.
Turkey Run Road/Meetze Road intersection
View (northeast) of Turkey Run Road from intersection. Walnut Grove Baptist Church on left.

Entrance 8721 Meetze Road

View northwest (toward Warrenton) from the driveway entrance.
Entrance 8721 Meetze Road
View southeast from driveway entrance. Adjacent is the entrance for Windhaven Lane.

8721 Meetze Road

Driveway entrance. Farm residence in seen distance. Proposed Jalsa Site (Option #1) would be beyond
the residence and screened from Meetze Road by topography, existing trees and residence.
8721 Meetze Road
Field along Meetze Road. This field would not be impacted by the proposed use and would remain in
agriculture.

8721 Meetze Road

Driving northwest, front field viewed from Meetze Road. This field would not be impacted by the
proposed use. Note that Meetze Road grade is lower than site.