Planning commission recommends approval of Saltville campground permit with conditions

On July 25, 2024, the Smyth County Planning Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a special-use permit for William Varner to operate a campground and recreational vehicle park on property identified as Tax Map 29-A-828, located across from 1857 Riverdale Lane in Saltville.

The recommendation followed a joint public hearing with the Board of Supervisors at which Mr. Varner described purchasing the property in 2014 and making site improvements, and said he intended the operation to be a "quiet, family-friendly campground, with no loud noise, foul language, or alcohol." Neighbors—including Ralph Frye and Donna and Andy Wolfe—spoke in opposition citing concerns about litter, potential overcrowding, sewage management, environmental impacts to land and water, and negative effects on nearby homes.

Staff and commissioners discussed specific permit conditions intended to address those concerns. The motion recommended approval with requirements that trash containers be provided and emptied daily; that the operation comply with floodplain requirements; that camping stays be limited to a maximum of two weeks; that visitor documentation be kept and contact information verified to address illegal activity; and that floodplain disclosures be provided to guests. During deliberations Ms. Meadows amended the motion to add a one-year expiration so the permit could be reviewed and to prohibit invasive lighting.

Clegg Williams clarified during the hearing that a special-use permit was required because Mr. Varner plans to rent campsite spaces. The Planning Commission recorded the recommendation vote as 4 yeas (Campbell, Davidson Jr., Meadows, Shepherd), 0 nays, with three members absent (Dean, Spence, Wagoner).

The Planning Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Smyth County Board of Supervisors for final consideration; no final action by the Board was recorded in the transcript.