Commission approves six RV hookups at Dandridge Love’s site as accessory use

The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to allow six full‑hookup RV sites as an accessory use at the Love’s Travel Stop at 1058 Deep Springs Road in Dandridge.

The decision came after a company representative described the RV hookups as short‑stay, convenience stops designed primarily for one‑night stays for travelers passing through. "These are not really destination spots," the company representative said, and later added, "The average stay is a 1.02 nights." Staff recommended treating the hookups as accessory to the business rather than a principal RV park, and the board followed that recommendation.

Why it matters: The ruling lets the business add short‑term RV capacity without subjecting the site to full RV‑park performance standards that would apply to a principal RV park. That distinction determines which performance criteria and permitting steps apply.

Details: The applicant said the company has opened about 103 similar hookup sites nationwide and operates three or four in Tennessee. The representative told the board the hookups are intended for travelers who want to stop near the interstate for a single night and, if desired, purchase fuel or food at the store. Planning staff noted the county recently adopted RV performance standards for principal RV parks and recommended clarifying in the motion that these hookups be approved as an accessory use limited to short stays.

Board action: A motion to approve the accessory RV hookups carried; board members voted "aye." The board recorded no conditions beyond the accessory‑use classification discussed during the hearing.

What's next: The accessory use approval allows construction to proceed subject to any building, utility and permitting requirements handled by county staff and applicable state agencies. The board did not adopt separate performance conditions specific to this site during the hearing.