Planning Commission approves short-term rental at 135 S. Orchard Street

The Stillwater Planning Commission on March 25 voted 4-0 to approve a short-term rental application for a five-bedroom, three-bath house at 135 S. Orchard Street.

The application, identified on the agenda as a short-term rental request for the property in the Westwood Overlay District, was presented by Josh Brown of Development Services and by property owner Jeff Black. Black told the commission the house has been in his family for more than 50 years and has been used as a long-term rental for about 15 years.

“ We're local, so we're in town. If there's any issues, we would be right there to take care of it,” Jeff Black said, describing screening plans and onsite management. Black said the owners would market the house for family stays tied to local events and that they would implement an age limit, a two-night minimum stay and a no-party policy. He added the property has parking and that they would avoid renting for large parties.

Commissioners asked about occupancy. A commissioner asked, “So what's your max as far as your occupancy that you'll you think you'll allow?” Black said he had not set a firm maximum but expected to limit use of one bedroom and to aim for family groups.

No members of the public spoke for or against the application during the public hearing. After brief discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the application “as presented.” The motion carried 4-0.

The commission's approval is a recommendation or final decision per the agenda process; any conditions or licensing steps required after approval were not specified in the record.