Disposition Summary

Approve an RV Campground as a use permitted on review in the I (Industrial) zone because it is similar in nature to other uses permitted on review in the I zone, and it could provide temporary workforce housing for industrial purposes.

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Staff Recommendation

Approve an RV Campground as a use permitted on review in the I (Industrial) zone because it is similar in nature to other uses permitted on review in the I zone, and it could provide temporary workforce housing for industrial purposes.

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The applicant is proposing to develop a 25 to 50-site RV campground on the I-zoned portion of 2306 Maryville Pike.
This use is already stipulated in the Knox County Zoning Ordinance as a permitted use in the F (Floodway) zone (Article 5.70.02.A.4). It is described as follows: "Recreational camp, campgrounds, and camp trailer parks, provided that restroom facilities shall be located and constructed in accordance with the health department requirements." If approved, this is how the RV campground use would be specified in the I zone.


Staff Analysis:
While the Industrial zone is generally intended for intensive manufacturing and assembly activities that may not be suitable near a residential environment, it includes several more human-centric uses that can be permitted through use on review by the Planning Commission. These uses include an adult day care center, a child day care center and an outdoor paintball range. Like an RV campground, these uses provide for a temporary, person-centered development. An RV campground may specifically be useful on industrial properties to provide temporary workforce lodging for short-term industrial projects.
The safety and suitability of an RV campground in the context of surrounding land uses would be evaluated by the Planning Commission before being permitted, just as a child care center would be. For these reasons staff recommend approval of the RV campground as a use permitted on review in the I zone.