Commission moves forward with planning draft on RVs and campers; 24-month compliance window for residences, storage rules approved

The Hamblen County Commission voted to accept a planning commission draft regulating the use of RVs and campers as permanent residences and separately approved rules limiting storage of campers on private property.

The planning commission’s draft (presented at the meeting and available in committee packets) would not allow unrestricted permanent occupancy of recreational vehicles under the county’s building code but provided a 24-month period for affected residents to come into compliance with the new rules. During committee discussion residents and property owners offered competing views: some urged compassion for those who live in campers, especially the elderly and people with limited means; others warned of safety, sanitation and property-maintenance problems and pushed for enforcement.

Proponents of the planning draft and some commissioners emphasized public-safety and code-consistency concerns, noting that county building codes reference the 2018 building standards and that recreational vehicles are built to different standards for travel and recreation, not for permanent occupancy. Supporters said the 24-month window is intended to give residents time to comply or to find alternative housing, to allow for permitted building progress in cases where a camper is being used temporarily during construction, and to let the county and assessor clarify taxation and permitting rules.

Opponents argued the county should not force occupants from property they legally own and that campers can be safe and properly hooked to utilities. Multiple private citizens recounted living situations and asked the commission to allow continued residency where water, sewer and electrical hookups meet standards.

The commission accepted the planning draft regarding permanent residency in campers by roll call (9–5 in committee vote) and separately approved a proposed storage rule to limit the number and location of campers stored on private property (committee vote 10–4). The approved draft gives affected residents 24 months from the planning commission’s adoption to comply; planning staff and the building inspector will be responsible for enforcement steps thereafter. County staff said enforcement actions, if necessary, would follow code enforcement procedures and potentially involve civil proceedings if compliance is not achieved.

The debate also touched on whether counties elsewhere tax campers, with the assessor noting that state guidance and local appraisal practice raise practical questions about valuation and timing; the assessor said he will not begin any countywide camper valuation until the commission adopts a clear policy.

Commissioners said the planning commission draft was a compromise intended to balance property rights, safety and community standards; several members urged robust outreach to affected residents during the 24-month compliance period.