Committee advances ‘Polly of the Blue Ridge’ vintage‑camper permit after health‑department concerns

The planning committee moved a special‑use permit application forward for “Polly of the Blue Ridge,” a proposal to operate one vintage camper for short‑term rental on an 18.273‑acre parcel (tax map 56‑7a), but county staff and the health department raised questions about gray‑water disposal and wastewater handling.

Applicant Anne Gore said the 1973 camper she restored is a one‑bed unit with a kitchenette and a sink; she told the committee she uses an RV‑style holding tank and contracts with a local service (K and S) for porta‑john servicing. Gore said she intends the unit to be seasonal and not operate in freezing months.

Madison County Health Department staff explained state rules classify gray water as sewage and that an approved sewage system or engineered solution is required for commercial use. The health representative said the county would require engineered septic plans or an approved pump‑and‑haul arrangement for the gray water; bacterial testing of the domestic well would also likely be required because the well will be used by paying guests.

Committee members suggested options the applicant could pursue before a hearing: remove the sink to eliminate gray‑water discharge, secure an integral RV‑holding tank with an accepted pump‑and‑hauler arrangement, or arrange a written service plan with a certified porta‑john/pump‑and‑haul vendor for regular disposal. A county official recommended on‑site inspection of the camper to confirm it meets safe occupancy standards and building/fire safety guidance for temporary lodging.

The committee voted to forward the special‑use permit application to the Planning Commission with the expectation that the applicant will work with the health department and planning staff to resolve wastewater and safety items before a public hearing.