The Greene County Planning Commission recommended extending a moratorium on new campgrounds and RV park expansions, citing the need for additional time to refine county regulations.
The unanimous decision suggests a three-month extension of the pause, initially enacted in June by the County Commission for six months. If approved, the moratorium would now last until March 2025 instead of ending in December.
The moratorium specifically applies to new campgrounds or expansions, leaving existing campgrounds and projects already approved by the planning office unaffected. According to an article published by The Greenville Sun on November 12, Greene County Building Official Tim Tweed initially explained that it was necessary to develop detailed guidelines for those seeking to establish or expand campgrounds.
Tweed also highlighted the unique situation posed by recent flooding in the region, particularly along the Nolichucky River, which damaged several campgrounds. These affected properties are exempt from the moratorium, as confirmed by County Attorney Roger Woolsey.
Woolsey clarified that the exemption applies to campgrounds existing before the pause, provided they already had documents filed with the Building and Zoning Office. This exemption aims to enable flood-damaged campgrounds to be rebuilt without additional regulatory hurdles.
In addition to the moratorium discussion, the Planning Commission addressed concerns about “tiny homes” and RV campers being used as residences. County Commissioner Josh Arrowood had raised the issue following the flooding.
Woolsey explained that the existing regulations already allow temporary use of RV campers while a home is being constructed, with extensions possible based on progress. Similarly, “tiny homes” are permitted under specific conditions, such as compliance with International Building Code standards and placement on permanent foundations.
The Planning Commission decided to leave these regulations unchanged. Woolsey warned that relaxing rules for RV campers and “tiny homes” could lead to safety risks, citing structural vulnerabilities and potential long-term occupancy in temporary housing.
