Commission recommends approval for short‑term rental at 3804 S. Woodland; council to act next

The Independence Planning Commission on June 24 voted unanimously (7‑0) to recommend approval to City Council of a short‑term rental permit at 3804 South Woodland Avenue (case 254007). Staff reported the applicant has not operated the property prior to applying and that the site provides sufficient off‑street parking.

Gabe, planning staff, described the property as Lot 8 of the resurvey of Nativity Manor, recorded in 1961, with a 1962 ranch house of about 1,800 square feet and four bedrooms including a basement bedroom with an egress window. The lot is approximately 14,500 square feet; an 80‑foot driveway provides off‑street parking for four cars. Staff recommended approval with standard conditions: obtain a business license, remit transient guest tax, install an approved noise monitoring system, limit maximum occupancy to eight persons (two per bedroom), post good‑neighbor guidelines and pass a fire department inspection prior to operation.

Applicants Lynn and Dudley Collins told commissioners the house is in a good location near local attractions and emphasized plentiful off‑street parking. “It’s a very comfortable house and well built house,” Lynn Collins said, noting proximity to local sites and a desire to host visitors to Independence. Commissioners asked a few clarifying questions; staff confirmed the property was not previously operating as a short‑term rental and that the proposed operation conforms with the 500‑foot site separation rule relative to other nearby applications heard that night.

The commission closed the public hearing and voted 7‑0 to recommend approval to City Council. Because the commission’s action is a recommendation, City Council will consider final approval and the applicant must still obtain a business license and pass the required safety inspection before operating.