Frank May is converting a former mobile home park on the lower slopes of Lookout Mountain into a vacation rental RV park.
The 13.42-acre site is at 2141 Cummings Highway.
He has applied to the Planning Commission to rezone the site from R-2 Urban Residential District & R-3 Multi-Family Residential District to C-1 Tourist Commercial District.
He is also seeking a Special Permit for a Travel Trailer Camp.
The RPA staff is recommending approval.
The staff said, "The 2003 Lookout Valley Area Plan recommends Medium-Density Residential for this area, which is described as intended for single-family detached residential, townhomes, and patio homes with a density of five to eight units per acre. The Plan notes that this classification is not intended to encourage the creation or expansion of mobile home parks. The C-1 Tourism Commercial District allows for Single-Family Detached Residential, but also allows for a variety of commercial uses that are not compatible with the adopted area plan.
"The C-1 Tourism Commercial District allows for a mix of uses, including hospitals, farming, hotels, single-family dwellings, and storage garages. The subject property is bordered by Single-Family Residences, vacant land, Cummings Hwy, and a Norfolk Southern Rail Line. While single-family detached residential uses are nearby, the predominant land use surrounding this property is vacant or open space, and is compatible with the adjacent land uses.
"There is no consistent development form in the area due to the area being sparsely populated and developed, the topography of the mountain and location of the Norfolk Southern Rail Line.
"The proposal of a Travel Trailer Camp is compatible with the residential density recommendations in the Lookout Valley Land Use Plan; however, the C-1 Tourist Commercial District allows for uses that are not compatible with the plan recommendations. Therefore, conditions are required in order to protect the rural character of the area.
"APPROVE, subject to the following conditions;
1. Limited to Travel Trailer Camps and Single-Family Dwellings only; and
2. No more than 28 Travel Trailer Camp units."