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Planning commission backs Whitetop campground with limits on sites, hours and alcohol
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a Special Use Permit for High Country Horse Camp on Whitetop Road on June 27, 2019, attaching six conditions including a cap of 14 full-service campsites, a 30-person limit for primitive sites, a 10 p.m. quiet time, a ban on alcohol, restricted access points and staffed operations.
The Smyth County Planning Commission voted June 27, 2019, to recommend the Board of Supervisors approve a Special Use Permit for High Country Horse Camp, LLC to operate a campground at 6866 Whitetop Road in Troutdale (Tax Map 90-A-4G).
Zoning Administrator Clegg Williams explained campgrounds are allowed in the Agricultural/Rural district by Special Use Permit and reviewed notice and application materials on file. Applicant Tom Davis described the proposal; architecting and operations details were part of the application. Blake Edwards of the Blue Ridge Discovery Center spoke in favor; an adjoining neighbor, Teresa Dell, raised operational concerns during the joint hearing.
The commission’s recommendation included six stipulations: a maximum of 14 full-service campsites; primitive campsites limited to 30 people total; a 10:00 p.m. quiet time; no alcoholic beverages on the premises; access limited to two main entrances on Whitetop Road; and the camp be staffed during operation and enforce the conditions. Commissioner David Spence moved the recommendation; Commissioner Hazel Wagoner seconded and the motion passed unanimously among attending commissioners. The recommendation will go to the Board of Supervisors for final action.
Why it matters: The conditions are intended to reduce neighborhood impacts while allowing tourism and recreational use of the rural property. The Board of Supervisors will consider the Special Use Permit at its meeting following the commission’s recommendation.
The commission adjourned after the vote; county staff later confirmed permits required from Building and Zoning were obtained.
