Board approves one-year short-term rental exception for Gramercy West home

Melanie Brewer received a one-year special-exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals on July 28 to operate a short-term residential rental at 1045 Valentine Lane in the Gramercy West planned unit development.

Brewer asked the board for a special exemption so she could “legally operate as a short term rental” at her three-bedroom, 2½-bath home and said the unit would host a maximum of four guests. A neighbor, Michael Benjic of 616 Loggerfield Drive, spoke in opposition and asked that the petitioner first present the request to the neighborhood as the homeowners association transition from developer control to homeowners later this year. Planning staff reported no code-enforcement or police incidents at the address in the past year and recommended consideration of the petition.

The request drew discussion about neighborhood expectations, PUD covenants and the fact that the Gramercy West homeowners association remains under developer control. Planning staff told the board that a special exception is required under the city’s zoning rules and that initial approvals are generally treated cautiously. Staff also noted that, if approved, the short-term rental permit is valid for one year and would require renewal.

Board members asked the petitioner about parking, property management and noise mitigation. Brewer told the board she intends to park guest vehicles in her garage, limit rentals to four people, vet guests and be reachable to address complaints. She said she had not yet used any of the city’s temporary “free weekends” that allow short-term rental trial use. Opponents voiced concerns about sign illumination, neighborhood impacts and the need for HOA endorsement prior to city approval.

A motion to approve the petition was made and seconded. The transcript records the board voting “Aye” on the motion and the chair stating, “It’s approved.” The approval is a one-year authorization, after which the petitioner must return for reapproval.

Discussion: This approval is an administrative land‑use exception (special exception) rather than a change to the unified development ordinance or the PUD. Planning staff noted the PUD refers back to the city’s unified development ordinance for short-term rental policy. The board discussed that the 2018 PUD covenants call for single-family residential use and that a number of members viewed the one-year approval as a “test run” that gives the neighborhood and code enforcement the ability to raise concerns at renewal.

Outcome: The board approved the special-exception for one year. Any complaints, code-enforcement cases, or police calls during the year would be available to the board at the time of the annual renewal.

For reference: Petitioner Melanie Brewer said, “I am here today to respectfully request a, special exemption to allow the use of my property as a short term rental.” Resident Michael Benjic testified, “I'm here to oppose getting this exemption” and asked that the petitioner obtain HOA endorsement before city approval. Planning staff stated, “As petitioner stated, special exception approval is required for short term residential rentals” and that “if approved, it is valid for 1 year, so they'd have to come back in a year for reapproval.”

The board moved on to the next agenda item after the vote.