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Jackson County commissioners debate limits on living aboard at county marina
Summary
Commissioners discussed new limits on living aboard boats at the county marina after staff reported one couple currently living on a slip and noted safety and permit questions. Staff will revise marina agreements and return proposed limits for commission approval.
Jackson County commissioners spent a substantial portion of their January meeting debating rules for people living aboard vessels at the county marina, after staff reported one couple currently living on a single slip and raised safety and permitting concerns.
The discussion began after the packet included a recommendation from Mr. Porter and a briefing by Mr. Parish, director of parks, who told the commission, “We we now only have 1 couple that lives on 1 boat.” Commissioners and staff said the marina has roughly 40 slips with about 16 slips used for live‑aboard situations.
Why it matters: commissioners said the county must balance recreational use of docks with public safety and liability. Staff explained the marina occupies TVA‑permitted land; TVA rules for campgrounds do not automatically prohibit living aboard at a dock, and the county's permit does not in itself forbid residential use.
Key debate and proposals: staff's draft motion proposed allowing “6 days during any 30‑day period” (a rolling 30‑day limit). Commissioners suggested several alternatives during the discussion: grandfathering existing residents for a short period (60 or 90 days), allowing 8 days in 30, or stricter limits (6 days). One commissioner warned that allowing 14'15 days in a month approaches full‑time residency and could be abused. The meeting also included a practical enforcement discussion: annual inspections, monitoring electricity usage and requiring proof of an off‑dock primary residence are existing tools staff said they could use.
Staff recommended revising all marina and campground agreements to close loopholes, including clearer definitions of “vessel” and limits on multiple vessels occupying a single slip. Commissioners directed staff to bring amended rules and rental agreement language back for formal consideration at a future meeting.
What was decided: no ordinance or binding rule was adopted at this meeting. The commission agreed to return the proposal to new business at a future meeting after county staff revise the agreements and draft specific limits and enforcement language.
Next steps: staff will draft amendments to the marina rental agreement and rules, including specific day limits, a grandfathering approach for current occupants, and enforcement provisions; those changes will be presented to the commission for action.
