The Greene County Commission is set to decide on extending an existing moratorium on new campgrounds and RV park expansions. The resolution, if approved, would prolong the pause initially enacted in June 2024, pushing its expiration to March 2025.
The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. in the Criminal Courtroom of the Greene County Courthouse, located at 101 S. Main St.
The decision to hold the meeting instead of the customary Monday is due to the county government offices being closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
The moratorium, established last year, aimed to provide the Building and Zoning Office with sufficient time to develop detailed guidance and regulations for campground and RV park proposals.
Greene County Building Official Tim Tweed cited the pause during a County Commission meeting in June 2024, citing the need for more specific regulations.
According to an article published by The Greenville Sun, the moratorium only applies to new campground proposals and expansions, leaving already established facilities unaffected.
Additionally, projects with preliminary approvals in place before the moratorium’s enactment have been exempt.
The agenda for the meeting highlights the challenges faced by the planning office in addressing campground regulations. Following Hurricane Helene’s impact in late September 2024, the office had to shift focus to flood damage assessments and permitting, delaying progress on drafting new regulations.
Officials have noted that the extensive damage caused by the Nolichucky River’s flooding required immediate attention.
Despite the moratorium, campgrounds damaged or destroyed by the flooding remain exempt, according to Tweed and County Attorney Roger Woolsey.
Woolsey explained in November 2024 that these facilities had existing documentation with the Building and Zoning Office prior to the moratorium and would be allowed to rebuild during the pause.
In addition to the moratorium, the commission will also discuss funding for new and improved athletic facilities for the Greene County School System. The resolution proposes allocating approximately $4.8 million for the construction of a track and field facility and the renovation of several tennis courts.
