Waterfront camp areas would need exception

The Middlesex County Planning Commission has initiated a zoning ordinance amendment that would give the county more control over future campgrounds in Waterfront Commercial zones. Existing campgrounds would not be affected.

On July 11, the commission unanimously recommended the Middlesex Board of Supervisors approve the amendment that would give the planning commission and board of supervisors additional control over special conditions for future waterfront campgrounds, according to the staff report of David Kretz, Middlesex planning director.

The amendment would change future “Campgrounds” from a permitted use in Waterfront Commercial zones to a use that requires a Special Exception, which can only be granted by the board of supervisors.

If approved the county would have the ability to require additional conditions over and above what a by-right use would allow with regard to campgrounds, Kretz said, adding that extra conditions could include things such as additional noise abatement, security, and traffic improvements.