By Tim Schmidt Record Managing Editor Following a short delay, plans for a seasonal haunted house in Warrenton are moving forward. A site plan for the proposed business was approved by Warrenton aldermen Tuesday night. An ordinance was unanimously adopted by a 6-0 vote. Aldermen had tabled any action on the site plan at their previous meeting on April 15, a decision they felt needed to be made after more information was received. The site plan applicant, Davidson Productions, plans to operate Xtreme Terror Haunts, a seasonal haunted house, at 1029 Armory Road. The property is located north of the Missouri Army National Guard armory. The company plans to renovate the approximate 10,500-square-foot building. It anticipates opening in September and would close at the end of October. It would be in operation for around six weeks each year. At Tuesday night’s meeting, Fire Chief Mike Owenby informed the board that an automatic sprinkler system needed to be installed, a requirement for special amusement buildings larger than 1,000 square feet. Tony Gagliano, representing the applicant and the property owner, noted that multiple sprinkler systems are under review. He said the applicant preferred to have the site plan approved, ensuring that the proposal moves forward prior to spending money for a sprinkler system. “The landlords are looking into what avenues they would do to improve the building to make sure it will comply and everybody is satisfied,” Gagliano told the board. He later added, “Everybody is aware of the need for safety. That will not be skirted for any reason.” It was noted that a building and occupancy permit will still have to be issued by the city and fire district at a later date prior to the haunted house opening for the public. At that time, the permits will only be issued if all building codes are met. The site plan was previously approved by the city planning and zoning commission by a 9-0 vote at its April 3 meeting.
Plans for haunted house progress
