The Metropolitan Short Term Rental Board of Appeals on July 23, 2025 considered an appeal from the owners of Unit 206, 1310 Lishi Avenue, whose short-term rental permit application was denied after staff found the property advertised and operated prior to obtaining a permit. The board concluded that the zoning administrator did not err but reduced the waiting period for reapplication, allowing the owners to reapply on Sept. 20, 2025.

Metro staff said the property's May 20, 2025 application was denied because the unit had been advertised and had documented stays before the permit application. Staff reported host-tracking evidence showing an Airbnb advertisement first crawled Feb. 1, 2025 (two documented stays in February); a VRBO advertisement first crawled March 19 (seven documented stays in March and one in April); the Airbnb listing was removed May 7 and the VRBO listing removed May 16.

Appellant Sonny Goldbaum, joined by his wife Kirsty O'Connell Goldbaum and property manager Justin McKay (referenced in evidence), said they hired a property manager in February 2025, believed the building might pursue a blanket HOA permit, and removed the online listings as soon as they learned a permit was required. Sonny Goldbaum asked the board to lift the default 12-month ban, citing a good-faith misunderstanding and financial hardship tied to holding the unit while leasing in the suburbs.

A neighbor, Aaron Rayburn of 1306 B Pennock Avenue, spoke in opposition and expressed broader concern about short-term rentals in the neighborhood, saying the balance between permanent residents and transients feels "out of control." Appellants said they ceased STR activity as soon as they were informed, and that the property is uniquely furnished for long-term occupancy.

Board members discussed whether property manager practices or owner misunderstanding were decisive. Staff clarified the applicable ordinances: operating without a permit can trigger a one-year waiting period but the board retains discretion to reduce penalties and consider mitigating factors (intent, remediation, neighborhood impact and hardship). By unanimous vote, the board found no error by the zoning administrator but exercised discretion to shorten the penalty period; the owners may reapply on Sept. 20, 2025.

Staff instructed the appellants to coordinate with Metro staff on next steps if they intend to reapply.