Monteagle ‘Narrows’ Campground Location Rules
by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
“We’re just making [the rule] more narrow,” said Commissioner Katie Trahan commenting on the Monteagle Planning Commission’s recommendation at the July 2 meeting to allow campgrounds only by special exception. The commission also took up a request for a zoning map change from C-2 to R-3 to accommodate residential development.
The commission’s recommendation to amend the zoning ordinance governing campground location must be approved by the Monteagle Council to take effect. At present, Monteagle allows campgrounds in C-2 commercial zoning and R-3 residential zoning as a special exception, said town planner Jonathan Rush. The zoning ordinance amendment allowing campgrounds in C-2 zoning only as a special exception will mean all proposed campground developments must be approved by the board of zoning appeals. “At this time, [Monteagle] is not clearly defined on what we want for campgrounds and where we want campgrounds in our community,” explained Commission Chair Ed Provost. Referencing the planning process currently underway under the direction of the American Institute of Architects, Provost added, “We’re in the process of looking at a land use plan that will clarify [campground definition and location] and make it simpler for decisions to be made. At this time, the commission wishes to have the right to choose by exception.”
Predicating his request to rezone a tract from C-2 to R-3, Jessie Goodman said, “Committing to R-3 without an easement for [sewer] utility renders that land fairly useless. R-3 is dense population development and that’s not possible without sewer access. I would need access to the sewer system, either private or public, prior to the rezoning.” Goodman suggested a public easement along the road to provide sewer to the property. The original 20-acre tract had sewer access, but when the land was subdivided, not all the tracts had access to sewer. Mayor Greg Maloof recommended discussing the issue with city engineer Travis Wilson to determine if there was a means “to tap on to the existing sewer without boring under the road.”
“If I can’t get a public easement, I’ll have to withdraw my application [for rezoning] and work on an easement crossing private property,” Goodman said. “Understood,” said Provost. “We’ll work with you on acquiring that [public] easement.” The commission tabled the discussion until next month to allow Goodman to pursue options for sewer access on the property. Goodman anticipates a development with ultimately as many as 30 units in the “affordable” $250,000 range.
Pointing to the rezoning and zoning amendment changes on the horizon, Rush brought to the commission’s attention a change in the state law requiring “public notice” announcements for rezoning and zoning amendments. Effective July 1, public notice of rezoning and zoning amendments must be given 21 days prior to the public hearing on the zoning change. Previously, the law required a 15-day notice.