Lafayette property set for Airbnb transformation amid zoning changes

In a recent government meeting, the Lafayette Board discussed a petition to convert a residential property at 1107 North Street into a transient guest house, commonly known as an Airbnb. The property, located in a predominantly residential area and zoned R2U, has been used as a full-time rental for the past five years. The petitioner, Scott Brown, expressed his intention to enhance the property through renovations, including exterior painting and design improvements, to attract guests.

The board noted that while Lafayette has recently prohibited Airbnb operations in single-family zones, the R2U designation allows for this type of rental. The property features a three-bedroom, two-bathroom layout, accommodating up to six guests, and includes a one-car garage for parking. Additional street parking will be necessary for other guests, as no further on-site parking is available.

To address potential concerns from neighbors, the petitioner committed to enforcing quiet hours from 11 PM to 7 AM and prohibiting parties or large gatherings on the premises. The board recommended approval of the petition, contingent upon obtaining the necessary operational permits from the city and ensuring that the property is booked as a whole rather than by individual rooms.

A motion was made to add a condition that the special exception would become invalid if the ownership of the property changed or if the owner was not actively managing it. This amendment was accepted by the petitioner, who acknowledged the importance of maintaining experienced management for the property.

The board's discussions highlighted the balance between supporting local business initiatives and addressing community concerns regarding transient rentals. The approval of this petition aligns with similar requests previously granted in Lafayette, reflecting a growing trend towards accommodating short-term rentals in the area.