SPARTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — The owner of the Sparta Township venue that hosted a JD Vance rally is facing permit violations for going over capacity.

Vance, now the vice president-elect, came to Apple Valley Events on 12 Mile Road on Sept. 17 in the heat of election season.

“It’s really cool for a small-time place like Sparta to have him come here,” said Dale Bergman, the longtime Sparta Township supervisor.

Chad Momber, the venue owner, has had a special land use permit since February 2023, according to township planning documents. Bergman said Momber originally went to the township and said the Vance rally would be an outdoor event, but was later told by the Secret Service it had to be moved inside. The rally came not long after an assassination attempt against President-elect Donald Trump.

“What happened was beyond Chad Momber’s control and anybody’s control,” Bergman said.

The rally did move indoors. Fresh Coast Planning, a Grand Haven group that provides zoning services to the township, sent a letter to the planning commission Oct. 31 noting several venue violations. The group said at least 500 people attended the Vance rally. Additionally, it said venues with at least 100 people inside need to have a fire suppression system and Apple Valley Events did not.

“Further, as part of the building inspection permit review and finalization of the special land use, Chad Momber provided a signed and notarized letter stating that the maximum occupancy load of the building would be limited to 99 persons,” the letter states. “During (the Vance event), more than 99 people occupied the building.”

Emails and phone calls from News 8 to the venue seeking comment were not returned before this report’s publication, but Momber posted on Facebook about the matter earlier this week.

“Clearly this was a historic event for the Sparta community that day,” he wrote. “I feel many enjoyed the event. But it appears we have a board member or maybe a few that did not like the event and they are now violating our venue for a list of things.”

Bergman was at the rally. He said he felt it was very safe, noting that the local police and fire departments were on hand.

“Everyone’s fired up and coming to Sparta, a small town,” Bergman said. “Having such a great thing for everybody in our community … I think it caught up in that somewhat. It was such a cool thing, but I think these other things were somewhat minor in looking at the big picture. I think the planning commission will look at that as well.”

The memorandum from Fresh Coast Planning also acknowledged the presence of police and fire departments.

“It appears that while there may have been violations of the special land use, the Zoning Ordinance, the Sparta Township Code, and other applicable codes and requirements, Mr. Momber may have taken measures to ensure that the event was held in a safe manner,” the group wrote. “The Planning Commission may want to seek feedback from the Fire Chief or other officials on existing safety measures for the venue before making a final decision.”

Residents filled the Sparta Civic Center Tuesday night as the planning commission held a public hearing over potentially revoking Momber’s permit. The meeting ended without a decision. Bergman noted the township fire chief said during the meeting that there were good safety measures in place for the rally.

Bergman expected the planning commission to meet again in the next month or two. He said he would be very surprised if it takes Momber’s permit away.

“I think it will be resolved, I really do,” he said. “And then maybe work with Chad in the future on future events to address some of the issues as far as capacity of the building.”