During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding a proposed wellness retreat center that could potentially operate as a vacation rental (VRBO) and host events in a residential neighborhood. The discussions highlighted the operational hours of the facility, which are proposed to be Monday through Wednesday from 8 AM to 8 PM, and the enforcement of these hours was questioned by attendees.

Residents expressed fears that the retreat could expand its operations beyond the approved days, leading to increased traffic and noise in the area. One resident, Kathy Jordan, voiced strong opposition, emphasizing that the neighborhood is primarily residential and not suited for commercial activities. She raised issues about the narrow roads leading to the property, which could become congested with additional vehicles from events and rentals, particularly during emergencies.

Commissioners sought clarification on the number of guests allowed and the potential for the property to host events like weddings, which would require different zoning approvals. The county staff confirmed that while the property could accommodate up to 15 guests at a time, any events exceeding this limit would not be permitted under the current conditional use approval.

The meeting also touched on the broader implications of short-term rentals in the area, with officials noting that there are currently no regulations governing such rentals in Ada County. This lack of oversight raises concerns about the potential for multiple properties in the neighborhood to operate as short-term rentals, further exacerbating traffic and community disruption.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the proposed retreat center has sparked significant debate among residents and officials alike, with ongoing discussions anticipated regarding its impact on the community and the enforcement of zoning regulations.