For the second time in less than a month, the zoning appeal by Quiet Hills Lavender Farm was continued Thursday night before the Lower Towamensing Township Zoning Hearing Board.

About 75 people filled the Aquashicola Fire Company for the hearing on Christopher and Sheri Anthony’s request to use their property at 1995 Hemlock St. for agritourism. Only Chris Anthony testified, and the hearing was again delayed.

The dispute involves a building approved for agricultural use that township officials say has been expanded for public use without proper permits.

The Anthonys argue agritourism is allowed in the zoning district and are appealing a Jan. 29 permit denial. Zoning officer Duane Dellecker said the couple was issued a permit for a storage building but the use has since “morphed into extended uses” without approval.

The Anthonys say they were told they needed a land development plan but have heard nothing further. Township officials insist no septic permit was denied and no plan has been submitted.

The Anthonys’ attorney, Susan Bucknum, also challenged a township planning commission memo opposing the appeal, arguing it violated the Sunshine Act and overstepped its authority.

Township solicitor Jim Nanovic countered that such recommendations are routine. Bucknum said she intended to call agritourism expert Dr. Susan Ryan to testify before Chris Anthony, but Nanovic objected to changing the order of testimony. As a result, only Anthony continued testifying.

After more than 2½ hours, Zoning Hearing Board Chairman James Ord noted it was the first time in 40 years a continuance was required with just one witness.

Nanovic cross-examined Anthony, asking if he ever explained to the zoning officer the meaning of agricultural business activities. He asked if they grow any crops besides lavender. Anthony said they grow wildflowers as well.

Nanovic told Anthony that he didn’t list that he intended to use it for weddings, and asked if there was going to be any limit as to how many live musicians would be there from a noise perspective.

Nanovic then asked if there are restrooms for visitors. Anthony said there are not, but that for a wedding that was held on the property, they used one portable trailer with three bathrooms.

It was then noted that there were 188 parking spaces, to which Anthony said that was “overkill.”

“You submitted an application where you don’t want any limits placed on what you want to do,” Nanovic said.

Anthony said they planted lavender in 2017 and now welcome hundreds of visitors.

Ultimately it was decided by the zoning hearing board to re-continue the zoning hearing.

“Typically, they tell us what they want to do,” Ord said. “We’re not accustomed to having four to five hours for one person to testify.”

Ord said it’s also important that the residents who attended the zoning hearing have a chance to speak, which has not yet happened during either of the two zoning hearings.

The farm, once used for religious retreats, was purchased by the couple in 2015.

He said an application was made to construct a 40-foot by 80- foot pole barn, which has since been constructed.

The primary use for the building would be agricultural, which is a permitted use in a rural conservation district.

Anthony said they have about 7,000 plants on the farm.

Anthony said they already offer farm tours to guests. Other uses they would consider in addition to crafting classes, yoga, religious retreats, business meetings, birthday parties, anniversary parties, graduation ceremonies and weddings.

He said they have conducted crafting classes, yoga, picnics and photography sessions in the lavender fields.

People who need to use restrooms are shuttled to the main building.

Anthony said they have partnered with several local businesses that utilize some of their lavender products at their businesses.

About 75 people packed the township’s administration building for the first hearing July 31. Many were sworn in but never received a chance to testify.

The hearing is continued to 7 p.m. Sept. 10.