Planning commission declines late materials, recommends denial of Scenic RV Park special-exception request

The Washington County Planning Commission recommended denial of a special exception for the Scenic RV Park after hearing new, late-arriving materials and extended public comment.

Chair called the rehearing and asked the applicant to describe changes since the June meeting. Mike Burke, the applicant's attorney, acknowledged additional consultant letters and asked that they be entered into evidence; commissioners objected because planners and commissioners had not had time to review those materials. "They didn't get the site plan to us," the Chair said, urging caution about voting on materials that arrived minutes before the hearing. The commission voted not to accept the documents submitted at the meeting.

Planner staff had told the board the proposal applies to about 14.8 acres of an 18.8-acre parcel and would include roughly 115 RV spaces and amenities. The commission discussed legal discretion for special exceptions and whether the application satisfied local criteria for compatibility and impacts. A motion to approve staff's recommendation of denial passed on roll call and the commission will forward the recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for final action on Aug. 20 at 9 a.m.

The hearing included extensive public comment raising concerns about traffic, drainage, septic systems, water wells and precedent for land-use changes. The developer and his engineer said they will supply more detailed, signed plans and technical reports to address those concerns if the project proceeds through the county process.