Board approves short-term rental at Scruggs Road; denies RV/boat storage at Novelty Road

During its April 21 evening session the Franklin County Board of Supervisors approved a special‑use permit to allow short‑term tourist rental at 5199 Scruggs Road (SPEC‑01‑26‑18485). Planning staff recommended approval with five conditions: limit the permit to the existing dwelling, comply with county short‑term rental regulations, maintain liability insurance of at least $1 million, register the property and pass county inspections prior to rental, and provide a property manager contact to the Planning Department. Applicant Robert Rakes and at least one neighbor spoke in support. The permit passed unanimously (Resolution #04‑04‑2026).

The board then considered a second special‑use permit (SPEC‑01‑26‑18492) for a proposed 14‑building covered/enclosed boat and RV storage facility on roughly 2.95 acres at the intersection of Old Franklin Turnpike (Route 40) and Novelty Road. Planning staff and the Planning Commission recommended denial, citing the county’s Comprehensive Plan and the rural character of the area; neighbors submitted a petition and multiple letters opposing the project. Supervisor Dan Quinn moved to deny the permit; the board voted unanimously to deny (Resolution #05‑04‑2026). Pam Flanders, representing neighbors, read a petition titled “Keep Novelty Road Rural.”

What’s next: The short‑term rental permit will be administered under the county’s short‑term rental regulations and subject to the conditions the board imposed. The denied storage application may be revised or withdrawn by the applicant; the board record reflects substantial community opposition and Planning Commission concern that the use would change the zoning district character.