Planning commission recommends approval of DeBusk Farms RV park permit

The Smyth County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve DeBusk Farms LLC’s special use permit to remove the permit’s expiration and allow capital improvements at a campground located at 1446 Buckeye Hollow Road in Saltville.

Planning staff said the original special use permit was approved in 2018 and extended in 2024; the applicant requested removal of the expiration so he could make capital improvements. John DeBusk told the joint hearing that the campground has primarily served as a work camp for AEP employees and that he now intends to expand it for public use and add a bathhouse.

Commissioners and supervisors asked for details about utilities and operations. DeBusk said the site has 16 sites, the proposed bathhouse would connect to one of three existing septic systems and would include a commode and an outside slop sink and possibly a shower, and that he is considering a private waste-management company for routine trash collection. Supervisor Kris Ratliff asked about capacity, the bathhouse and trash management; Supervisor Roscoe Call asked about law enforcement issues, and DeBusk said he has not had prior issues and plans to install a security system near the bathhouse.

Commissioner David Buchanan moved to recommend approval; the motion, seconded by Graham Davidson Jr., passed 6–0 with Commissioner Tony Dean absent. The recommendation will be considered by the Smyth County Board of Supervisors at a later date.