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Potential sale of Bexley Bed & Breakfast raises short-term rental and zoning questions
Summary
Council discussed a prospective buyer’s plan to own but not occupy the Bexley Bed & Breakfast and noted that current zoning requires owner occupancy for bed-and-breakfast operations in the property’s district.
Council considered a zoning question on April 8 after members raised that a local property commonly operated as an owner-occupied bed and breakfast may be sold to a local family that would not reside on-site. Councilors said current code requires owner-occupancy for bed-and-breakfast uses in the applicable zoning district and that an owner-not-present operation would require a variance or a conditional-use review.
Councilor Marcelino characterized the potential sale as a prompt for broader discussion: if the city approves an owner-occupancy waiver for one property, could it create a precedent enabling further short-term rentals in residential areas? Councilors said they needed more time to consider the policy implications and the potential need for a code amendment. Mr. Hurley asked staff to confirm the property’s zoning; staff reported the Bexley Bed & Breakfast sits in an R-6 district and would require a variance for an owner-operator exception.
Council members noted the city had previously allowed certain exceptions (for example, counting a Capital employee as an on-site operator under a past ordinance change) and said they would not make a decision on a sale contingency without more information. Council advised the interested buyer that a variance is not guaranteed and suggested they proceed with awareness of zoning requirements.
No formal action was taken; staff said they would provide background and review options if the buyer seeks an application.
