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Commission approves rezoning request for 434 Williams Avenue to allow short-term rental
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved rezoning 434 Williams Avenue to allow operation of a short-term rental; the applicant's representative said the property is compliant and the matter will be introduced to city council on Sept. 8 and voted on Sept. 22.
The City of Niagara Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve a rezoning request for 434 Williams Avenue that the applicant said is needed to operate a short-term rental.
The application was filed by John Larson Fowler to rezone Lot 69 feet from the west side of Williams Avenue (municipal address 434 Williams Avenue) from R-1 to R-1 special exception for operation of a short-term rental. The planning director (name not specified) described the application as "a simple rezone for the operation of an Airbnb" and said staff had no suggested changes.
Sue Fowler Weaver, speaking as a representative for the applicant, said her son, John Larson Fowler, purchased the house in July and requested the rezoning to allow short-term rental operations during the upcoming high season. Weaver told the commission that other similar applications had been approved previously and that she expected a similar outcome for this property.
Commissioner Isaac Lewis asked how many homes were planned; Weaver said there is an existing house and it will remain one residence. The planning director stated the property is "fully compliant," that no waivers were needed and that parking is sufficient because the property is a full residential home.
Motion and vote: Commissioner Anita DuBois moved to approve the rezoning; Commissioner Isaac Lewis seconded. The commission voiced assent and the motion carried with no recorded opposition.
The planning director advised Weaver that the rezoning will be introduced at the City Council meeting on Sept. 8, 2025, and the council's final vote is scheduled for Sept. 22, 2025. The director suggested that either the applicant or a representative attend the council sessions and remain available in case council members request more information.
Details from the meeting: - Applicant: John Larson Fowler; represented by Sue Fowler Weaver. - Proposal: Rezone 434 Williams Avenue from R-1 to R-1 special exception to permit short-term rental (Airbnb). - Compliance: Staff stated the property meets the applicable requirements; no waivers required. - Next steps: Commission approved rezoning; item to be introduced to City Council on Sept. 8, 2025, with final vote Sept. 22, 2025.
No public opposition was recorded during the commission meeting.
