Cookeville Planning Studying Campgrounds And RV Parks In Different Zoning

Cookeville Planning Department has taken an item for study that would allow campgrounds and RV parks in the Local Commercial (CL) zoning.

Community Development Director Jon Ward said those are currently allowed in the general commercial (CG) zoning. He said the general commercial zones are most predominant around areas like South Jefferson Avenue and South Willow Avenue.

“The applicant, they submitted the application because they feel like the CG is not appropriate and the CL would be more appropriate for these uses,” Ward said. “The CG is more densely developed, so that’s kind of the justification that’s included in the application.”

Ward said when they take an item for study, it explores if an application was justifiable and would work in the area. He said they look at what other communities have done with similar requests, how they manage them, and what impacts it would have locally.

Ward said there are a lot of demands for that particular use. He said they still do not have an answer on whether or not the use would be appropriate or under what conditions it would be appropriate.

In his application, Developer Josh Stites said, “Currently, RV campgrounds are only allowed in the CG district. Unfortunately, most RV campers would prefer not to rent a space not next door to a TJMaxx. The CG district is our most densely developed and high trafficked areas. The idea of RV Campgrounds lends itself to connecting with nature in areas that are not quite as developed and that still facilitate connecting people to a natural surrounding.

The Planning Commission will consider the item at its December meeting.