Board approves allowing camper/RV parks under new local standards after split vote
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Summary
Commissioners voted 3–2 to allow camper/RV parks as a by‑right use in the RC district with standards including a 2‑acre minimum, 2,500 sq ft per parking space and a 50‑foot undisturbed buffer; planning board had recommended keeping RV parks as special‑use.
The Person County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 3 approved text amendment TA‑11‑25 to make camper/RV parks a by‑right use in the RC zoning district subject to written standards intended to limit impacts.
Planning staff outlined the proposed standards: a minimum 2‑acre lot size, 2,500 square feet of land per parking space, stabilized parking pads (gravel or paved), an off‑street parking space per site, sanitary and restroom facilities and a 50‑foot undisturbed buffer from property lines where the use fronts a US or NC highway. The planning board had instead recommended keeping RV parks as a special‑use in GI to avoid creating a by‑right classification.
Commissioners debated housing needs for incoming construction workers for large industrial projects and concerns about the long‑term viability of RV parks (septic costs, potential to become neglected sites). Supporters argued RV parks would help meet near‑term worker housing demand; opponents cited unintended consequences and community character.
The motion to adopt the amendment passed 3–2.
What happens next: The ordinance language will be codified and staff will publish the standards; developers may propose compliant RV parks in RC districts, subject to the new requirements.
Sources: Planning Director Margaret; commissioner discussion; vote recorded as 3–2 in the public meeting.