Planning commission forwards South Fork Riverside campground CUP with buffer and stay limits

The Warren County Planning Commission voted to forward a conditional use permit for the proposed South Fork Riverside Campground to the Board of Supervisors, adding conditions intended to reduce impacts on adjacent residential neighborhoods.

Staff described the application as a commercial campground on about 42 acres with a conceptual layout for up to 100 motorized recreational-vehicle and tent sites and accessory river-sports rentals. Recommended conditions included formal site-plan approval, a fire and emergency egress plan, dark‑sky compliant lighting, septic and water permits, trash and litter controls and compliance with the county noise ordinance.

Property owner Gary Wayland told the commission the site will preserve agricultural uses while adding agritourism features such as walking trails and educational programs. Applicant representative Joe Brogan said the concept ‘‘goes hand in hand with Junewood’s use’’ and emphasized management plans and quiet-hour enforcement, adding, ‘‘we're not looking to have a bunch of, you know, rowdy dody stuff down there.’’

Residents who live nearest the proposal voiced strong opposition. Ed Sinclair, whose home overlooks the proposed campground, said, ‘‘Campgrounds are not quiet places. They are not dark places. They are filled with people having a good time…they create a lot of noise.’’ Other neighbors cited potential impacts on wells and the water table, emergency response capacity, increased traffic on narrow local roads and wildfire risk from more recreational fires.

Commission discussion focused on limiting site impacts to nearby homes. Commissioners asked staff and the applicant about access points, whether private Junewood rights of access would be used, and measures for flash‑flood alerts and evacuation. The applicant and staff said the proposed commercial access would be from Route 619 and that river monitoring and staff communication with emergency services would be part of the emergency plan.

After deliberation the commission moved to forward the CUP with the recommended staff conditions plus additional requirements: a setback and planted evergreen buffer along the west property line adjacent to Junewood, and a limit on campground guest stays (the commission added a 14‑day maximum). The motion carried and the matter will be considered by the Board of Supervisors.

The Board of Supervisors will hold the next public hearing and make the final decision; the planning commission recorded the recommendation and the added conditions for consideration by the board.