Willard City Council approves short-term rental permit for Molly Forbish's basement Airbnb

The Willard Planning Commission convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss several key issues impacting the local community, including a conditional use permit for a new short-term rental and ongoing considerations for an RV campground.

The most significant decision of the meeting was the approval of a conditional use permit for Molly Forbish, who plans to operate an Airbnb in the basement of her home located at 2626 South 500 West. The commission expressed concerns about parking and emergency access for guests. However, after reviewing the application and conducting a safety inspection, the committee recommended approval, noting that the couple has prior experience in managing short-term rentals. The commission emphasized the importance of clear communication with emergency services and agreed that a sign indicating the presence of a rental unit would be posted.

In addition to the Airbnb discussion, the commission reviewed the conditional use permit for an RV campground owned by Morbid Neff, which has been under consideration since early 2020. The commission acknowledged that while the campground is currently operating within the existing permit guidelines, there is a need to amend local ordinances to better regulate such facilities. The commission plans to revisit this issue in June, allowing time for necessary ordinance adjustments.

The meeting also included a brief discussion about upcoming agenda items for the next planning commission meeting scheduled for April 3, 2025. Members noted the need for training on open and public meeting laws and discussed potential topics for future meetings, including a review of a road map for local infrastructure.

Overall, the decisions made during this meeting reflect the commission's commitment to balancing community development with safety and regulatory compliance, ensuring that local residents are informed and involved in the planning process. The approval of the Airbnb is expected to enhance tourism in Willard, while the ongoing review of the RV campground aims to address community concerns about land use and development.