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By Joel Davis

of The Daily Times Staff

The Blount County Planning Commission will consider proposed regulations for private airstrips on Thursday.

The proposed regulations would require that "All landing strips shall be situated in such a manner that under no circumstances shall an approach or departure be over a residence, excluding the owners, provided that the residence be located a minimum of 2,000 feet beyond the end or side of the required landing strip length."

The proposal also includes beef-up documentation requirements including:

State of Tennessee permit for storm water discharges associated with construction activity.

FAA letter of proposal of airport/landing strip construction supplied by the applicant.

Copy of the FAA airspace determination letter without conditions or objections. Any conditions or objections noted in the document shall form the basis for denial of the special exception.

Letter of agreement between existing airstrips within a five mile radius.

In September, planning commissioners also indicated they wanted all requests for special exceptions to require 10 days of public notice instead of five.If eventually approved, the regulations will not affect Maryville developer Dennis Weaver's planned Into the Wind Airpark, which has already been under construction. Neighbors living near the planned airstrip on property off Jeffries Hollow Road in Seymour have protested Weaver's project.

Commercial campgrounds

The commission will also discuss a proposal for commercial campgrounds in the R-1 and Suburbanizing zones that would permit camping in a recreation vehicle for up to 90 days. That proposal will have to be approved by the County Commission.

"I think the commission is going to take a very serious and detailed look at the proposal regarding campgrounds," County Commission Chairman Steve Samples said.

Kathy Skinner, president of the Raven Society citizens group, aired some concerns in a memo provided to members of the Planning Commission:

"The commercial RV parks/campgrounds are incompatible with rural zones. Nuisance and environmental challenges make them best situated for commercial zones where adequate sewer, water services and amenities are available. Allowing RV parks only in commercial zones protects residents, communities and the environment.

"Additionally, it is consistent with the Blount County Policies Plan and the desire of the majority of citizens to preserve the rural, natural character of our county."