A slate of public hearings are on the agenda for the April joint meeting of the Madison County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.
Six cases are scheduled for Wednesday, April 2–two special use permit (SUP) applications, two rezoning applications, one subdivision and the proposed adoption of an ordinance amendment. All have been discussed at two previous workshop meetings of the planning commission, with one being discussed at four meetings.
First, Kari and Jason Gaviria are seeking an SUP to operate a primitive campground, “Two Rivers Mountain Retreat” on their 48.347 acre, A-1 agricultural zoned property. The property is located off Clore Road and consists of a residence that is being used as a short-term rental and two campsites. Each site has a raised platform with a roof, firepit and picnic table. A portapotty is available on-site. The sites are rented through Hipcamp, an online platform that connects landowners with those seeking a unique outdoor stay. A quick search revealed several Hipcamp listings in Madison County.
The Gavirias will move onto the Clore Road property later this spring and plan to have their two sons help with the camping business.
A primitive campground is defined in the county’s zoning ordinance as one that is on at least 10 acres and is limited to 20 sites per acre. Campsites must be less than 1,000 sq. ft. of area and 25 ft. in width. They have to be at least 12 feet apart and at least 50 feet from adjacent properties. Guests utilizing a primitive campsite can stay for a maximum of 30 days and cannot return until 60 days have passed.
The second SUP application that will be considered is for an antique craft and gift shop. Carey “Angie” Brown has applied to operate a store on 36.77 acres zoned A-1 agricultural off Wolftown Hood Road in Hood. The property, owned by Martha Dudley, contains an existing building which was the Roaring Twenties Antique Car Museum. Brown hopes to use that building for her proposed business, “Black Cat Antiques.” She plans to offer antiques, vintage items, some thrift items and handmade items. She hopes to rent space to other vendors as well as artisans to allow for a more eclectic inventory. Brown plans to also host online-only auctions.
As for the rezonings, Carrie Brown has applied on behalf of AC Limited Partnership to rezone a 2.136 acre parcel from A-1 agricultural to B-1 general business. The property is located on the east side of U.S. 29, south of Shelby Road. There are no current development plans for the property, but in her application Brown said the property is better suited for B-1 due to its location. An adjoining parcel is already zoned B-1.
The second rezoning application is from Jonathan Nichols. He has applied to rezone a 5.532 acre portion of a 77.112 acre parcel located off Kinderhook Road from C-1 conservation to A-1 agricultural. In his application, Nichols said the portion being rezoned is located on the corner of the larger property and would be used to build a home for a relative.
Walter Sampsell has submitted the lone subdivision application of the night. He hopes to subdivide a 28.5947 acre parcel off Beahm Town Road into three lots, plus the residual. The new lots would be 5.9165 acres, 7.5 acres, 7.5027 acres and 7.6755 acres.
The last hearing of the night will be the proposed adoption of a definition for personal campground which would allow for by-right recreation of private property, but regulate the use of RVs and tents to prevent use as permanent residences. As proposed, a personal campground would be allowed by-right in A-1 agricultural, C-1 conservation and R-1 limited residential districts. The definition would limit the camping to friends or family for a maximum of 30 consecutive days, prohibit compensation and cap the number of RV sites with electricity and water connections to two per every five acres. Three or more sites would require a campground permit issued by the Madison County Health Department. Spaces must also be less than 1,000 sq. ft. in area and 25 ft. in width. Each RV must be at least 12 ft. from the other.
The planning commission and board of supervisors will hold joint public hearings on all six cases Wednesday, April 2 at 7 p.m. at 414 N. Main Street, Madison.
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