In a recent meeting of the Hot Springs Board of Directors, a resolution was passed granting a short-term residential rental license for the property located at 288 Lake Hamilton Drive. This decision follows a complex legal and administrative process that began with the property's application for a special use permit (SUP) in August 2022.

The property, which spans 3.15 acres and is zoned residential, initially received the SUP administratively. However, this decision was appealed and subsequently overturned by the Board of Directors, leading to a judicial review by the Garland County Circuit Court. The court ruled in favor of the property owners, Michael and Stacy Steven Asuer, mandating the city to issue the SUP within ten days, which the city complied with.

Following the issuance of the SUP, the owners applied for a short-term rental license, which is regulated under Hot Springs code. This process requires payment of a fee, an inspection, and the approval of the SUP. The Board of Adjustment and Appeal reviewed the application, alongside various appeals from neighboring property owners who raised concerns about potential noise and traffic issues stemming from the rental. However, the board found these concerns did not meet the compliance standards necessary for denying the license.

During the meeting, planning and development director Kathy Selman emphasized that the allegations made by the appellants were not relevant to the compliance standards for issuing the license. The board ultimately voted 3-0 to approve the short-term rental license, affirming that the property met all necessary requirements.

Concerns were also raised regarding the shared grinder pump system servicing multiple properties in the area, which has led to ongoing issues for property owners. While the city no longer permits new connections of multiple properties to a single grinder pump, existing arrangements remain in place, prompting discussions about potential future reviews of these regulations.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to address ongoing concerns from residents regarding noise and other disturbances associated with short-term rentals, as well as a recognition of the need for continued oversight of rental properties in the area.