Renter, Vendor, & Participant Liability & Safety Agreement

It applies to:

•The Renter

•All Vendors and Subcontractors

•All Guests and Invitees

•All Officers, Agents, Employees, Affiliates

•Any Person Present Under Authority of the Renter or Vendor

•Any Person Attending a Dwellings Farms Event or Appointment

(Collectively referred to as “Participants.”)

 

By entering any property known as Dwellings Farms (including but not limited to: 2349 Baum Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322 and 2100 Ansell Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322) or signing below, Participants acknowledge, accept, and agree to all terms herein.

 

The "Site" refers to any designated area of a Dwellings Farms property used for an event or activity.

 

This Agreement is incorporated into and made part of any/all Rental Agreements for Dwellings Farms.

 

1. EXPRESS ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Dwellings Farms is an active agricultural property containing animals, fencing, farm equipment, uneven terrain, water features, insects, reptiles, wildlife, agricultural buildings, utilities, weather exposure, and other inherent and obvious hazards.

 

Participants acknowledge and voluntarily assume all risks, both known and unknown, foreseeable and unforeseeable, including but not limited to:

•Injury, permanent disability, or death

•Property damage or theft

•Exposure to animals or animal-related pathogens

•Injuries resulting from acts or omissions of other Participants

 

Participants expressly agree that attendance and participation are entirely voluntary and at their sole risk.

 

2. STATUTORY WARNINGS

Agritourism Warning:

Under Virginia law, there is no liability for an injury to or death of a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of the agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals, as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity.

 

Domesticated Animal Premises Warning:

Under Virginia Code § 3.2-6403, the owner or operator of these premises is not liable for a domesticated animal pathogen transmitted from these premises. Take necessary sanitary precautions, including not touching your face or consuming any food or drink until you have thoroughly washed and dried your hands after your visit. As soon as possible after your visit, thoroughly wash your hands using an appropriate soap and water, and thoroughly dry your hands after washing.

 

Equine Activity Warning:

Under Virginia Law, an Equine Professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of Equine Activities. Va. Code Ann. § 3.2-6202

 

Farm Building Exemption:

The Barn and all other structures on the property known as Dwellings Farms are EXEMPT from the Uniform Statewide Building Code. Be alert to exits in the event of a fire or other emergencies.

 

Participants acknowledge these statutory protections apply in full.

 

3. RELEASE OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by Virginia law, the Participants, Renter, and all Vendors, on behalf of themselves and all Participants under their authority, hereby:

•Release

•Waive

•Discharge

•Covenant not to sue

Dwellings Farms, its members, trustees, owners, affiliates, agents, employees, representatives, property owners, and insurers from any and all claims, including claims arising from alleged negligence, premises liability, property conditions, or acts of third parties.

 

This release applies to claims for bodily injury, death, emotional distress, property damage, economic loss, and consequential damages.

 

4. INDEMNIFICATION (JOINT & SEVERAL LIABILITY)

The Participants, Renter, and each Vendor agree to be jointly and severally liable and shall:

•Defend

•Indemnify

•Hold harmless

Dwellings Farms and its members, trustees, owners, affiliates, agents, employees, property owners, and representatives from and against all claims, lawsuits, demands, damages, fines, penalties, attorney’s fees, court costs, settlements, and expenses arising from or related to:

•The event

•Any act or omission of Participants

•Violation of this Agreement

•Violation of law or permit requirements

•Property damage

•Injury or death

•Alcohol service

•Vendor operations

•Fire, sound, tent, equipment, or structural incidents

 

This obligation survives the event and termination of the Farm Rental Agreement.

 

5. ASSUMPTION OF RISK & GENERAL CONDITIONS

Dwellings Farms is private agricultural property.

 

All buildings are agricultural structures and exempt from the Uniform Statewide Building Code.

 

All Participants enter and participate at their own risk.

 

Hazards include animals, fencing, uneven ground, insects, reptiles, wildlife, water features, farm equipment, weather, and agricultural structures.

 

Dwellings Farms and its members, trustees, owners, affiliates, agents, employees, property owners, and representatives are not responsible for injury, death, theft, loss, or damage.

 

The property contains natural and man-made hazards.

 

Safety signage may not identify all risks.

 

Participants accept the premises “AS IS” without warranty.

 

6. MINORS

Anyone under 18 must be supervised by a parent or assigned guardian.

 

Guardians assume full responsibility for minors, including risks of drowning, animal injury, or environmental hazards.

 

7. ANIMAL & FARM SAFETY

No entry into animal enclosures or pastures.

 

Do not climb, crawl under, or sit on fencing. Use designated gates only.

 

No feeding or petting animals without written permission.

 

Do NOT hand feed pigs.

 

No outside food for animals.

 

Animals may bite, kick, stomp, or head butt.

 

No glass in animal areas.

 

No decorations or objects on fencing.

 

No interaction with farm equipment.

 

If permission is granted to feed/pet animals, it is done strictly at Participant’s own risk.

 

8. WATER SAFETY

No entering ponds, creeks, streams, or water features.

 

Members of Dwellings Farms provide no lifeguards, floatation devices, or water supervision.

 

Participants assume all risks related to water proximity.

 

9. ACCESS & USE RESTRICTIONS

Entry permitted only with confirmed booking or appointment.

 

Unauthorized presence constitutes trespassing.

 

Restricted areas include wooded areas, ditches, storage buildings, farm buildings, animal shelters, animal enclosures, chicken coop/run, neighboring properties, and non-approved spaces.

 

Only approved designated event areas (the Site(s)) may be used during the designated day(s) and within the approved times for an approved amount of people with written permission from the members of Dwellings Farms.

 

10. SETUP, STRUCTURES & PROPERTY PROTECTION

No nails, screws, staples, tape, or holes in buildings, fencing, trees, or structures.

 

No digging or stakes at 2349 Baum Rd. (tents must use weights only).

 

No ground penetration without approval where permitted.

 

No opening garage doors without written permission except in case of emergency.

 

No stove or oven use. Microwave must be attended. (at Baum Rd.)

 

Use hot pads under hot items.

 

No confetti, artificial petals, fireworks, sparklers, or open flames.

 

No smoking except in designated area.

 

No flames or grills inside structures or within 25ft of trees, structures, fencing, or vehicles.

 

Fires/grills allowed only with written approval, in designated areas, supervised at all times, 25 feet from structures, and with fire extinguisher provided by Renter/Vendor.

 

No glass in pastures or animal areas.

 

11. FOOD & ALCOHOL

All food must be prepared off-site or in licensed food truck or set up.

 

Dwellings Farms is not licensed for food preparation.

 

No alcohol without required permits and/or licenses.

 

No one under 21 may consume alcohol.

 

No illegal substances.

 

Dwellings Farms does not hold an ABC license nor is Dwellings Farms licensed for food prep.

 

12. SOUND, LIGHTING, MUSIC, & PHOTOGRAPHY

The Barn at Baum at 2349 Baum Rd:

•Outdoor music must use Dwellings Farms system.

•No DJ or amplified sound outside.

•Approved DJs must remain inside The Barn with doors closed.

•Sound must not travel beyond property lines and must be tested before the main event.

 

Ansell Acres at 2100 Ansell Rd:

•Amplified sound must be approved and volume tested before the main event.

•No DJ or loud music at The Pond.

 

No strobe lights, party lights, or spotlights without approval.

 

Any/All photographers acknowledge and agree that any photographs taken on any property knows as Dwellings Farms must be shared with the members of Dwellings Farms via email and may be used by members of Dwellings Farms for promotional and marketing purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, use on social media platforms, websites, print materials, advertisements, brochures, and other marketing or promotional materials. You also grant the members of Dwellings Farms permission to share these images with Vendors for their own marketing and promotional use, including social media, websites, print marketing, and advertising.

 

Photographers grant the members of Dwellings Farms a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, share, and reproduce the photographer's images for marketing and promotional purposes without additional compensation. When reasonably possible, the members of Dwellings Farms will make a good-faith effort to credit the photographer when images are used.

 

13. PARKING & TRAFFIC

Park only in designated areas.

 

No public street parking.

 

Driveways must remain clear for emergency access.

 

Events over 49 guests require two parking attendants.

 

Do not block public roads or neighboring driveways.

 

14. CLEANUP & TIMELINES

Trash bags and cleaning supplies such as paper towels and counter top spray are not provided by the members of Dwellings Farms.  Renter, Vendors, and/or Participants need to bring their own cleaning supplies.

 

Site must be tidy and cleaned before Rental Period ends.

 

No food may be left open overnight.

 

Setup no earlier than 48 hours before event with written permission.

 

Removal within 48 hours after event with written permission.

 

All belongings must be removed by end of Rental Period unless written permission granted.

 

Dwellings Farms and/or its members, trustees, owners, affiliates, agents, employees, property owners, and representatives are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.

 

Items left behind may be discarded at Renter’s expense.

 

No food, decor, linens, or items that could blow around, cause damage, or attract pests are to be left outside overnight.

 

The Site must be left in the same, or better condition than before Renter, Vendor, and/or Participant arrival.

 

15. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT STIPULATIONS

2349 Baum Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322:

1. The hours of operation for an event shall be limited to the hours between 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. All meeting and banquet hall activities shall be concluded by 8:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 10:00 p.m. on Friday through Sunday with the last person off the property after cleanup by 9:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 11:00 p.m. on Friday through Sunday.

2. Amplified music shall be prohibited after 8:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 10:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

3. All exterior lighting on the property shall comply with Sections 10-452 and 19-407 of the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance to reduce glare and negative impacts on adjacent properties.

4. No parking on any public street shall be permitted under this conditional use permit. No parking signs shall be shown on the final site plan and shall be installed along the 20' ingress/egress easement shown and described in Map Book 118, Page 40, prior to Certificate of Occupancy for the use.

5. All meeting and banquet hall activities held on the site, including the associated parking, shall operate in the event areas and the identified parking area depicted on the Conceptual Site Plan received on September 2, 2025. Any expansion of the proposed conditional use permit outside of the described Event Area 1 consisting of 19,425 square feet, Event Area 2 consisting of 22,518 square feet, and the Existing Barn consisting of approximately 1,825 square feet, will require a new conditional use permit approved by City Council.

 

2100 Ansell Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322

1. Outdoor events shall be limited to no more than thirty (30) per

calendar year and the maximum number of attendees shall not

exceed 175 per event.

2. The hours of operation for an event shall be limited to the hours

between sunrise and 10:00 p.m. All meeting and banquet hall

activities shall be concluded by 10:00 p.m. with the last person off the

property after cleanup by 11:00 p.m.

3. Amplified music shall be prohibited after 10:00 p.m.

4. All exterior lighting on the property shall comply with Sections 10-452

and 19-407 of the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance to reduce glare and

negative impacts on adjacent properties.

5. No parking on any public street shall be permitted under this

conditional use permit.

6. All meeting and banquet hall activities held on the site, including the

associated parking, shall operate in one of the two event areas and

the identified parking area depicted on the Conceptual Site Plan dated

October 21, 2024. All tables, chairs, portable restroom facilities, and

other event structures/objects shall not be set up more than 48 hours

in advance of any event and shall be removed within 48 hours after

an event.

 

16. SAFETY EQUIPMENT & RESPONSIBILITY

Participants, Renter, and Vendors must provide:

•Fire extinguishers as required for event/activity 

•Required permits/licenses for event/activity

•Insurance as required for event/activity

•Safety equipment for tents, grills, inflatables, etc.

•First aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen, etc as needed.

 

Participants must follow all posted signage and instructions from Dwellings Farms' representatives.

 

17. LIABILITY, INDEMNIFICATION & DAMAGES

The Participants, Renter, and all Vendors jointly and severally agree to:

•Assume full responsibility for all Participants under their authority.

•Be liable for property damage, legal claims, business loss, and reputational harm resulting from their event.

•Defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Dwellings Farms, its members, trustees, employees, agents, affiliates, property owners, and representatives from all claims, suits, damages, costs, and expenses arising from injury, death, or property damage.

•Accept that Dwellings Farms and its members, trustees, owners, affiliates, agents, employees, property owners, and representatives are not liable for loss, theft, negligence, acts of God, or damage to personal/vendor property.

 

Participants, Renter, and Vendors are financially responsible for:

•Structural damage

•Fence damage

•Animal injury

•Utility damage

•Landscaping damage

•Neighbor property claims

•Reputational harm or business interruption

 

Payment for damages is due immediately upon invoice.

 

18. RIGHT TO MODIFY OR TERMINATE

The members of Dwellings Farms may, at their sole discretion and without refund:

•Relocate tents, equipment, or event layouts for safety or compliance.

•Terminate the event without refund for non-compliance or unsafe conduct.

•Remove any unsafe Participant

•Stop alcohol service

•Lower or terminate music

•Modify event layout

 

If the members of Dwellings Farms determine that the event poses risk to persons, animals, structures, neighbors, or permits, termination shall be final and without liability.

 

19. EMERGENCY ADDRESSES

The Barn on Baum: 
2349 Baum Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322

 

The Field & The Pond at Ansell Acres: 
2100 Ansell Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322

 

Participants are responsible for emergency reporting.

 

20. SEVERABILITY & ENFORCEMENT

If any provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force.

 


This Agreement shall be interpreted under Virginia law.

 

21. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By entering into any property known as Dwellings Farms (including but not limited to: 2349 Baum Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322 and 2100 Ansell Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322) or signing a Dwellings Farms' Rental Agreement, the Participants, Renter, and/or Vendors acknowledge:

•They have read and understand this Agreement.

•They accept full legal and financial responsibility.

•They agree to distribute these terms to all Participants under their authority.

•They agree this document is binding and enforceable.