The Greene County Commission (Tennessee) adopted new regulations governing recreational vehicles, RV parks, and campgrounds. The measure passed Monday (August 18) by a 16-4 vote after a public hearing in which no residents addressed the board.
According to an article published by Greene County Commission on August 19, sixteen commissioners, including Kathy Crawford, Nick Gunter, Tim White, Josh Arrowood, Jason Cobble, Jan Kiker, Robin Quillen, Tim Smithson, Bill Dabbs, Lyle Parton, Hoot Bowers, Gary Shelton, John Waddle, Jeffery Bible, Lisa Anderson, and Teddy Lawing, voted in favor.
Commissioners Chase Murray, Pam Carpenter, Brad Peters, and Larkin Clemmer opposed the resolution, while Commissioner Paul Burkey was absent.
The issue has been before county leaders since June 2024, when officials first began addressing RV and campground regulations.
The proposal had been scheduled for a July 21 vote, but was pulled from that agenda after county officials said required public notice had not been properly given.
The regulations approved Monday (August 19) originated with the County Planning Commission in June. They outline conditions for permanent RV placement on private property or within campgrounds and establish tax and safety requirements for such dwellings.
Under the new rules, RV campers may serve as permanent residences if connected to an approved septic system and secured to meet mobile home standards.
Those using campers as permanent dwellings will now be subject to property tax assessment.
The regulations also allow permanent residency in RV parks, provided the owner or operator permits it.
In those cases, the property owner will be responsible for paying the tax bill, though they may collect the cost from residents. Operators must also keep a log of both temporary and permanent occupants.
Campers placed on private property for more than 90 days will also face the same requirements. Each unit will be subject to inspection and regulation similar to mobile homes, including oversight by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
Several commissioners voiced support for the measure as a way to ensure fairness in taxation. Smithson said individuals living in RVs without paying property taxes had been “getting a free ride” while still benefiting from county services.
Commissioner Kiker added that the change would level the system for all residents. “People are complaining because they’re living in a mobile home and paying taxes, and people living in campers are getting the same services as all of us,” Kiker said.
Opponents, however, raised concerns about enforcement. Murray questioned whether the county’s Building and Zoning office had sufficient staff to monitor compliance.