Pittsylvania Planning Commission approves special-use permit for private campground at 535 Plantation Drive

The Pittsylvania County Planning Commission voted 7-0 Tuesday to grant a special-use permit allowing a private campground on 3.48 acres at 535 Plantation Drive in the Tunstall district.

The commission’s unanimous recommendation followed public testimony from neighbors and campground operators. Applicant Victor Keats said he is converting an existing trailer park into an RV campground and told commissioners he had discussed the plan with nearby residents. "None of them have any issues at all," Keats said at the hearing.

Opponents, including Jeff Love of Pittsylvania County Campgrounds, urged the commission to deny the rezoning and the special-use permit. "Due to the limited demand for transient occupancy in the area, it's likely that this proposed campground will attempt to house permanent residents in RVs in order to become financially viable," Love said. He also told commissioners he believed the property already had utility hookups installed without required permits and said nearby campgrounds opposed adding another site.

Tracy Love, who identified herself as a campground owner, told the commission the industry has softened since a COVID-era boom and that market conditions have weakened. "The campground industry right now is not real good," she said, arguing the county already has sufficient capacity.

Commissioner Oakes recommended approval, noting local support from neighbors and the applicant’s past experience operating rental property in the area. Commissioners made clear the special-use permit does not excuse compliance with state and county health department requirements; one commenter raised concerns about existing electric pedestals, water and sewer installations that staff and the health district must verify before any new occupancy.

The commission considered the application under Article 5, Division 7 of the Pittsylvania County Zoning Ordinance and the staff packet provided site and zoning details. The motion to grant the special-use permit carried 7-0.

The commission’s action is a recommendation for the permit; any required county permits, health department approvals and building or utility inspections remain conditions for legal operation. Staff directed that permits and health-department clearances be confirmed before the campground may operate in ways that would constitute permanent occupancy or violate the county’s transient-occupancy rules.

The decision resolves CaseSDash25Dash019 for the subject property. The applicant and opponents may still seek other administrative or permitting steps required for the campground’s operation.