Council approves short-term rental license after owners describe threats and safety steps

The Independence City Council approved a short-term rental license for 3712 South Chrysler Tuesday after owners who operate the property as an Airbnb told the council they had changed rules and invested in safety after neighborhood complaints.

The license was approved by roll call, 7 in favor, 0 opposed. The item carried the ordinance number listed on the agenda as 25-7-65.

The couple that owns the property, Michael Fry and Jill Fry, described the rental’s operation and said they had taken multiple steps to address past problems and neighbor concerns. Michael Fry said the owners now require a two-night minimum, screen guests, do not auto-approve reservations, and restrict single-night stays. “We actually don't want any unruly guests on the property disrupting neighbors or damaging the property,” Michael Fry said.

Jill Fry told the council the listing began in April 2023 and that the property had completed 96 stays with mainly five-star reviews before the owners suspended the listing to prepare licensing paperwork. “Since opening our Airbnb in April 2023, we have hosted 96 stays,” she said.

Jill Fry also described a series of incidents involving a neighbor she identified by name in her remarks as Laura Killam. Fry told the council that police records from April 2024 through March 2025 showed 11 dispatches to Killam’s address, and that on June 8 she discovered a bullet hole in a travel trailer on the owners’ property. She said a subsequent police report charged Killam with unlawful use of a weapon and noted two additional firearms were found in the residence; Fry said the estimated repair for the trailer was $11,000.

Council members asked staff to confirm compliance history and inspections. The applicants told the council they had paid city taxes through the Airbnb platform (which the applicant stated totaled $4,779), purchased liability insurance under an LLC, completed the city's rental inspection and paid the $100 inspection fee, and were awaiting a final fire department inspection. Michael Fry said he purchased the noise-monitoring system the city requires and had the device active.

During the discussion, a council member reminded the body that this application included a valid legal protest requiring five votes for approval; the clerk called the roll and the application carried 7-0.

Several council members used the item to raise a broader policy question about regulating short-term rentals. One council member noted other nearby cities handle short-term rentals differently and asked staff to study whether the city should reduce its oversight or change licensing rules before large events, such as the upcoming FIFA-related activity. City staff replied that the FIFA committee is expected to deliver recommendations that could inform short-term policy and that the city does regulate regular long-term rentals through existing codes and licensing processes.

The council’s action approved the license application as presented; no additional conditions or amendments were recorded in the meeting minutes.