LIBERTY — About 85 people signed a petition against an ATV park located in the Rice’s Creek community in Liberty, but the Planning Commission approved Monday night the land use permit for the owner to continue operating.

The vote was 4-2.

The outdoor recreational facility is located on about 300 acres of vacant land adjacent to the Pickens County Airport, and it includes 15 acres of ATV trails and obstacle courses, according to the park owner Jason Barlet.

The property owner is Youngblood Newman Corp., according to county documents.

The facility has already been operating since the beginning of the year, according to a county staff report, which also notes that South Carolina is one of a handful of states that does not currently have operating safety laws specifically for ATVs or riders, including minors.

Neighbors fighting the park expressed concerns about noise, litter and safety of children, as well as potential fire hazards and environmental issues.

Darleen Finnan, who lives two driveways from the park’s entrance, said she has filed a complaint with the S.C. Attorney General’s Office. And Bill Dell, who lives on Rice’s Creek Road, said he has spoken to DHEC officials and that they plan to do an environmental impact study of the property.

“I live next door to the entrance, and people park in my driveway waiting for it to open,” said Douglas Borgas, who said he hears noise from people riding ATVs at 1 a.m.

Borgas also said he has to pick up a lot of litter in his driveway, including beer cans; and his neighbor Dario Silvia said he was concerned about fire safety since there were no fire hydrants in the area.

Before approving the land use permit, members of the Planning Commission set strict restrictions on the park, including a full perimeter fence, with the portion near the residences being completed within a month, as well as a gate at the entrance.

The rest of the fencing must be completed within three months, according to the commission’s approval stipulations.

Barlet must also limit operation hours.

On weekdays, the park can only be operated from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. by appointment only. Saturdays, it can operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sundays from noon until 7 p.m.

The owner of staff member must be present during weekend operating hours.

All vehicles must have mufflers, and passengers and drivers must wear helmets as required by state law.

No alcoholic beverages, racing, fires or camping is allowed, and a permanent, fixed sign must be erected at the entrance gate stating business hours, how to call ahead of time for an appointment, muffler requirements, alcohol restrictions and helmet requirements.

The owner must keep a 400-foot zone between trails and residents, and he will not be allowed to remove trees and shrubs, except what is necessary to erect the perimeter fencing.

The entrance gate must be large enough for ambulances and fire trucks to pass, and customers must remove trash.

The park will also have to operate under county development standards, and required permits will have to be obtained before Barlet can start operating again, according to Chris Brink, who heads up county planning.

In contrast to neighbors’ objections, Barlet said the park ‘s mission is to “provide a fun and safe family-oriented recreation facility for off-road motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and 4 x 4 vehicles.”

He also stated in his business plan that safety comes first for all entering the park.

“Few other off-road parks exist in the state of South Carolina,” he stated in his plan.

“Rice’s Creek Off-road Park fills a business niche for families and clubs looking for land to legally enjoy the recreation activity of trail riding.”