Planning commission approves rezoning to expand RV park at 1250 Middle Creek Rd

The Sevierville Regional Planning Commission voted to approve a rezoning request for 1250 Middle Creek Road so the property may be incorporated into the adjoining RV park. Staff said the parcel is just under 3.5 acres and the applicant intends to add roughly 30–35 RV campsites, with a small bathhouse possible if required.

Development Director Corey Divel told commissioners the request had been deferred from the prior month and that if rezoning were denied, the parcel could nonetheless be developed with short-term rental cabins under its existing Medium Density Residential zoning. Applicant Austin Conner said the original plan retained 11 acres for residential use while adding the remnant parcel to the campground and described a 35–40-foot berm and landscaping to visually buffer the residential area; he also said all access to the expansion would be through the existing campground.

Nearby residents spoke during public comment, expressing concerns about privacy, views, property values, noise, screening and timing of landscaping. Commissioners noted residents who responded preferred campsites over short-term rental development but continued to raise questions about the scope of future uses allowed under Arterial Commercial zoning. On a motion by Shane Patterson, seconded by Butch Stott, the commission approved the rezoning with four approvals and one abstention (Mayor Robbie Fox abstained); the action is certified to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.