[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6320771,"mediaKeyId","2354867-07057bd7106cc4c66eddea5b0d91fe2d","parentId",2354867,"title","Bedford County commission approves zoning changes to regulate RVs and \"mini‑barn\" dwellings","audioSeconds",1685,"startMs",467000,"endMs",2152000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2354867-07057bd7106cc4c66eddea5b0d91fe2d&start=467&end=2152","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2354867-07057bd7106cc4c66eddea5b0d91fe2d/thumbnail_467000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6320771/Bedford-County/Tennessee/Bedford-County-commission-approves-zoning-changes-to-regulate-RVs-and-minibarn-dwellings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6320771-519c8ebd985b385568af6598419e0e89/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196919&Signature=V85hZH2zx9akzzaL4poiwEiKHtKS1bYRq6Dd1hWVXMC~ab7XSPCUaSMAUv5cBjnK1f~Cm7qlf8VsW6xKHiaXeg19ja3SGBC1hG5uIkHfv52aDniTrQJrtbWzj0kAG5PHgpZBllNUnBPdk9tFndFW19i940wWlyIUuIPeSYqSFGahz8hTkRswlp0GwZpB2dMpMnkBlay1ejZUswEO0npMFLICFT~3Vs3ENP4jvveFmdBLOrXf6z9VXlulH3~1hYpxJnrqmWST8-LvX2GrzEx1VzpAf8DPBqEuQW4LHCusiDnmgCnMrsujE7iv6dpIZTA92N5Q~BBBfPSmf72ML0pcQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bedford County, TN","date","2025-02-20T08:35:54.423Z","article","Bedford County commissioners on an unanimous voice vote approved amendments to the county zoning resolution that add temporary‑use regulations and definitions aimed at regulating recreational vehicles (RVs), ready‑removables and small storage buildings often called \"mini‑barns\" when used as dwellings.

The changes, which amend Article 2 (temporary use regulations) and Article 7 (definitions) of the Bedford County Zoning Resolution, give the zoning office explicit authority to issue temporary zoning permits, set renewal limits and define categories of nonstandard dwellings so staff can work with occupants to bring units into compliance rather than rely solely on building‑code enforcement.

Director Chris Watts, who explained the proposal to the commission, said the amendments are intended to address structures that fall outside residential building codes — for example, backyard storage buildings converted to living space or RVs used as permanent homes. \"These are new regulations that deal with people buying, like, mini barns at Lowe's and converting them to residences,\" Watts said. He added the rules would give zoning staff flexibility to issue temporary permits for persons living in an RV while a house is under construction and to allow limited renewals when construction is delayed.

The measure was prompted in part by public and staff concerns about public‑health risks from uninspected dwellings: commissioners cited cases where septic systems were failing and where occupants could be medically vulnerable. \"The building codes department's only remedy was to call Duck River and have the power shut off,\" Watts said, arguing zoning has more tools for staged transitions.

Commissioners tested the boundaries of the policy. One commissioner asked whether the rules would prohibit a homeowner from living in their own camper for extended periods and noted common scenarios such as students living near a family home or homeowners occupying an RV while constructing a house. Watts said the draft includes exceptions and temporary permits for construction and limited medical circumstances, but that living in an RV as a permanent, unchecked dwelling is already a violation of adopted building codes and that the zoning change aims to regulate such cases \"in a more humane manner.\"

The commission also heard an extended explanation of the county's distinction between campgrounds (A1) and RV parks (C1). Watts said RV parks are regulated more intensively — with requirements for roads, wastewater and other infrastructure — and that a recent long‑running RV park proposal highlighted ambiguous language in the existing resolution about where RV parks are allowed. He said the planning staff intended to send one matter back to the Board of Zoning Appeals for reconsideration because the application route taken initially (as a campground in A1) differed from how the commission's regulations address commercial RV parks.

The commission approved the zoning amendment after discussion. Commissioners and staff said additional, more detailed regulations may follow as the county learns from implementation and from specific permit applications.

The amendments as approved will be enforceable through the county zoning process; commissioners said they expect to refine the rules further and to add language addressing RV park extensions and enforcement timing in coming months.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rules Committee Feb. 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Bedford County commissioners on an unanimous voice vote approved amendments to the county zoning resolution that add temporary‑use regulations and definitions aimed at regulating recreational vehicles (RVs), ready‑removables and small storage buildings often called \"mini‑barns\" when used as dwellings.","taxTitle","Bedford County, Tennessee","taxId",28224,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6320762,"Commission to seek legal review after recommending five‑member budget committee to full board",1171,2165000,3336000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2354867-07057bd7106cc4c66eddea5b0d91fe2d&start=2165&end=3336","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2354867-07057bd7106cc4c66eddea5b0d91fe2d/thumbnail_2165000.jpg","/articles/6320762/Bedford-County/Tennessee/Commission-to-seek-legal-review-after-recommending-fivemember-budget-committee-to-full-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6320762-483e35ce808ac1698aa8d93e49010d1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196919&Signature=WxQRO87GYKBr2y4zO4NWM5XmoiakrkQ2UYrYf~B5xfCH-L47DcOP23MQ22-lZHy-OFLwFAU0By7izDCk2jhqs52RxS3uafG0sbIwk5xZVf~1p~ibKedvtOYdTcesh72ySw8hRyiXXP2XkzO78i9AEGcJlvMvf1zMkDhbrgXJwY~MoTNn3kHmV7Gv6VgGZwPSkGFXP0TUChwrnhjsGTjm0C3t3dUmA89of006r4Y0dFnTwLXNlDxRgwOHl79IefYTiDuRwQLmwe47deBQwsNw15-a~GTaPbyyfC4t8~JC4YS-yhmnWyILpIzCYaE~MejSAVELUddB-itlcMTi-22ezg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bedford County commissioners voted to forward a proposal to create a five‑member special budget (financial management) committee to the full county commission for consideration and to request legal review before final action.

Commissioner Farrah, who led the discussion, cited Tennessee statutory language enabling county legislative bodies to create special committees and argued a five‑member budget committee would improve oversight and include commissioners who had requested finance committee assignments after the 2022 election. \"Why would you let the superintendent of schools or the highway department or the county mayor decide your budget when they have no responsibility for the budget? That responsibility totally lies within the county commission,\" Farrah said.

The proposed slate discussed during the meeting included Linda Yockey (District 5), John Bowell (District 8), Diane Neely (District 4), and Troy Thompson (District 3) as commissioners willing to serve; finance director Robert Daniel was proposed as ex officio secretary. Commissioners said they will ask county attorney and CTAS advisor Charlie Curtis to review statutory authority cited in the handout (Tennessee Code Annotated sections referenced during the meeting included 5‑21‑103, 5‑21‑104 and 5‑21‑105) and return with guidance. One commissioner requested a study session before the March 11 county commission meeting so the group could refine a framework.

Supporters argued the special committee would \"slow down\" the budget process to allow five commissioners to examine proposals and allow more thorough line‑item review before the full commission vote. Critics cautioned that the county should ensure the committee's formation and duties do not conflict with the statutory duties of the finance department or the county's 81‑Act requirements. Several commissioners said they trust Charlie Curtis as a resource and recommended the county attorney also vet the proposal.

The commission voted to forward the recommendation to the full board and to seek legal review; the transcript records the voice vote as \"all in favor.\" Commissioners agreed to return the item to the rules committee and requested a follow‑up study session if counsel identifies legal issues.","Commissioners recommended forwarding a proposal to create a five‑member special budget committee to the full Board of Commissioners and asked county counsel and CTAS advisor review; proponents said the committee would concentrate budget scrutiny among experienced commissioners while critics urged legal vetting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6320767,"Commission approves two rezoning requests: Old Wheel Market site and large Montgomery Road tract",254,416000,670000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2354867-07057bd7106cc4c66eddea5b0d91fe2d&start=416&end=670","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2354867-07057bd7106cc4c66eddea5b0d91fe2d/thumbnail_416000.jpg","/articles/6320767/Bedford-County/Tennessee/Commission-approves-two-rezoning-requests-Old-Wheel-Market-site-and-large-Montgomery-Road-tract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6320767-b3c054c1735bda336ce58b1d800b402e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196919&Signature=YJpDiXNhpKSswnilHSZxVzoGL~xr4x42CrZgRjuGq-bw7Y1S-XcQcRn-k8pH-PqxZWb2IXgxQXXYRsf0wlKbwaUjR~jBeIU1Iww8j7HxZoM9frFVywKbVXRHcLijmFZmVR2vECBg~9338ivfuWw1pizWpRN6bPBQiG2jMN17MT20Ga-x1s8xRpsmz8~a9RK6DF6ARtIZkyy32iTs1BHRMBgsa4PdByy74k2r3o3iGcHcLDtTrLyZ-uyNe2~W~cDRXb69SAKSwJdK8Cdeyh9bhUyXvbU-AWYYNMpHjrdC619PUXGujePzT1wqUboFgjm4sY-wekoFSP5ep3q3n-m7Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bedford County Commission approved two rezoning requests at its meeting.

Tyrone J. Rhodes sought rezoning for 2601 Highway 64 West (Map 085, Parcel 032) from A1 (agriculture/forestry) to C1 (Rural Center District, Bedford County's light commercial designation). Planning staff said the parcel is less than one acre and historically housed the Old Wheel Market. The planning commission had forwarded the rezoning with a favorable recommendation; the commission voted to approve, recorded on voice vote as \"all in favor.\"

James and Christy Warner asked to rezone a large Montgomery Road parcel (Map 085, Parcel 0013) from A1 to R1 (suburban residential). Planning staff reported that R1 allows reduced lot size to 30,000 square feet (about 0.69 acre) compared with typical A1 oneacre expectations. Planning staff told commissioners the application carried an unfavorable recommendation from the planning commission because R1 is normally intended near an urban growth boundary and allows higher density than A1. Commissioners nonetheless moved, seconded and approved the rezoning on a voice vote.

Director Chris Watts explained the land‑use differences: \"The R1 classification would allow you to reduce the lot size to 30,000 square feet per lot,\" he said, noting the Warner parcel was described in discussion as \"over a hundred acres\" and possibly close to 200 acres in size.

Both measures were approved by voice vote; the transcript records voice 'aye' responses but does not include individual roll‑call tallies.

Votes at a glance

- 2601 Highway 64 West (Tyrone J. Rhodes): rezoned A1 → C1. Planning commission recommendation: favorable. County commission outcome: approved (voice vote). Parcel: Map 085, Parcel 032; parcel size: less than one acre (as reported).

- Montgomery Road (James and Christy Warner): rezoned A1 → R1. Planning commission recommendation: unfavorable (planning commission cited higher density and proximity to urban growth boundary). County commission outcome: approved (voice vote). Parcel: Map 085, Parcel 0013; parcel size: described in meeting as \"over a hundred acres\" (approximate).","The Bedford County Commission approved two rezoning requests on voice votes: a <1‑acre parcel at 2601 Highway 64 West was rezoned from A1 to C1 for light commercial use and a large tract on Montgomery Road was rezoned from A1 to R1, allowing smaller suburban lots; planning commission recommendations differed on the second case.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bedford County commission approves zoning changes to regulate RVs and "mini‑barn" dwellings

Commission to seek legal review after recommending five‑member budget committee to full board

Commission approves two rezoning requests: Old Wheel Market site and large Montgomery Road tract