Oppose SUP: Proposed RV & Boat Storage Facility at Old Franklin Turnpike & Novelty Road

We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Franklin County, respectfully urge the Franklin County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors to deny the Special Use Permit application for the proposed private recreational storage facility at the intersection of Old Franklin Turnpike (Route 40) and Novelty Road (Route 946), tax parcel 0670401200. The application describes a boat, recreational vehicle, and recreational trailer storage use on a 2.947-acre parcel that is currently zoned A-1 Agricultural, with approximately 0.8 acres proposed for development. 

Franklin County’s own review standards for special use permits require decision-makers to consider the effect of the proposed use on adjacent property, the character of the existing zoning district, the agreement of the use with the purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance, and the effect on public health, safety, and welfare. This proposal fails those standards.

First, the proposed facility would create harmful light pollution. A commercial RV and boat storage building of this scale will predictably require exterior flood lighting for security, access, and nighttime visibility. In a rural area, that lighting would spill onto nearby homes and roadways, diminish the quiet enjoyment of neighboring properties, and permanently alter the dark-sky character of the community. The application materials describe a commercial-style garage storage use and include a concept plan showing a developed storage area and drive access where undeveloped land now exists. 

The impact of that use on adjacent property should weigh heavily against approval.

Second, the proposed use raises serious safety concerns for children. Eleven children live directly across the street from the proposed RV and boat storage building. A commercial storage facility would introduce larger vehicles, trailers, customer traffic, delivery traffic, turning movements, and increased activity at the intersection. Even if the applicant expects “low volume traffic,” the relevant question is whether the use increases risk in a location where children live and play. The County must consider the effect on public health, safety, and welfare, and this proposal creates avoidable safety concerns in what is currently a rural residential setting. The applicant’s letter itself acknowledges the surrounding area is “mostly residential properties.” 

Third, the size and commercial appearance of the proposed structure are inconsistent with the rural character of Franklin County. The application states the use will consist of “garage units for parking and storage of boats, trailers, and/or recreational vehicles,” and the submitted images show a large metal commercial building with multiple roll-up doors. 

The applicant also presents the project as a “unique opportunity for a low volume commercial opportunity,” which underscores that this is a commercial-style development, not a traditional residential, agricultural or rural use. 

Approving this structure would undermine the established rural landscape and set an unwelcome precedent for similar commercial encroachment.

Fourth, the current zoning is Agricultural. This property has a future land use designation of Rural Area-County. 

Granting a special use permit now for a substantial commercial-style storage building would be contrary to the direction of the area and inconsistent with the long-term preservation of rural land use patterns.

Finally, the submitted materials emphasize visibility from Route 40 and the Novelty Road intersection as a reason for the project. 

That visibility is exactly why this project is inappropriate. A highly visible commercial storage structure at this location would have an outsized effect on neighboring properties and on the visual character of this part of Franklin County.

For these reasons, we respectfully ask the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors to deny this Special Use Permit.