After much discussion Tuesday night about whether the County should be concerned with amending a resolution regarding temporary housing such as RVS on personal property, the Commission voted 10 to 8 just to forget about it.
So, the request to make changes to the current resolution regarding temporary structures has failed. This resolution was initially sent to the Commission floor with a (3-1) vote of Rules and Legislative Committee, following a favorable recommendation from Planning Commission.
Those in favor of passing stricter regulations on temporary housing were no doubt disappointed. Especially after they had gone through a year of discussion, revisions,
and amendments. The item had been deferred for 30 more days at the March 11, 2025, Commission meeting.
Commissioners hit the floor running Tuesday night with comments that obviously demonstrated the power of the people. See page 3 in the April 10 TG for more on those public comments.
Planning Director Chris White was asked to explain the need for more change in the ordinance. He pointed out that the recommended changes weren’t just about septic issues, though that is a concern, but also due to health and safety concerns.
Commissioner Linda Yockey who voted to accept the resolution asked White to explain other reasons besides septic.
He said he answers complaints from land owners about people living in RVs and other non-compliant structures. He said the planning department is not about stirring up trouble but he’s concerned about human health and safety.
White said many structures where people are living, especially the elderly, are not conducive to safe living. They’re many times too small in square footage and accessibility is dangerous.
Commissioner Greg Vick stated during the meeting, “We love our rural environment . . . like to look and see cattle, horses. We like to see nice fences and nice houses. What we don’t want to see is trash . . . What we don’t want to see is living conditions, and poverty, and Dollar General stores popped up all through there. That’s not rural. That’s trash.”
He said he believes the County tries to help people. He read the portion of TCA that explains allowable residential structures.
He said right now in the northwest portion of the County there’s a 50-acre property with seven parked RVS-all which Vick advised are taking turns dumping their waste into the septic system of the house there which has a one-bedroom perc site.
“So, what you’re doing is putting a seven-bedroom capacity into a one-bedroom perc site. That’s going to fail the system. And then it’s going to run off . . . creep over to the neighbor’s property. Then you devalue the property of someone who is doing the job what they should do.”
He said there’s another property with four RVS which isn’t even using the septic system. Instead, they’re dumping waste right on top of the ground, which has ignited codes discussions.
But the codes department’s only recourse is to have the power cut off of non-compliant residences. White said the County therefore has little authority in these matters.
Vick said Bedford County cannot progress this way. He said the County is trying through this resolution/ordinance change to accomplish a way which demonstrates compassion and help.
“We have 56,000 people in this County,” said Vick. “Of that 56,000, about 27,000 individuals own property. We have a billion-dollar value of property in this County. There are over 400 houses for sale in this County right now. The average price of the house is $350,000.”
He said people who are trying to build up generations of real estate for their families and even farmers are dealing with seeping sewage onto their properties.
“This is not a good situation. I think we need to pass this . . . language is sufficient that we comply with the statute. And I’m going to vote we pass this resolution tonight and would encourage everyone to do so.”
Biff Farrar, chair of the Rules and Legislative Committee, said he didn’t know if passing more rules and regulations will help. He said certainly everyone should have empathy in this regard.
“I’m not for passing any additional. I think we just need to enforce what we have now and get it done.”
He said he agreed with Commissioner Hooker that this resolution, as written, may be a little over reach. Yet he didn’t agree it needs to possibly be studied further or revised, as Hooker had said.
“I agree with both sides. But we have to be careful with unjust laws as well,” said Farrar, who voted against approving the resolution.
Commissioners voting to adopt the resolution, in addition to Vick and Yockey, were: Mark Thomas, Tony Smith, Sylvia Pinson, Scott Johnson, Janice Brothers and John Boutwell.
