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Zoning board approves short‑term rental at 3545 White Way
Summary
The Butte‑Silver Bow Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a special‑use permit to allow a three‑bedroom short‑term rental at 3545 White Way, subject to building, health and business‑license conditions.
The Butte‑Silver Bow Zoning Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to approve a special‑use permit to allow a three‑bedroom short‑term rental at 3545 White Way.
Planning staff told the board the application (Special Use 25‑5) seeks to permit overnight stays in an existing single‑family residence under Butte‑Silver Bow Municipal Code Section 17.38.0180; staff identified potential neighborhood nuisances (notably noise and wayfinding) and recommended conditions including a Montana public accommodations license, compliance with building/health/fire codes, visible address signage, and occupancy limits set by the building and fire departments.
Joella Thomas, senior planner, said the property is in an R‑1 (single‑family) zoning district in the comprehensive plan's “contemporary neighborhood” place type and that staff reviewed the site for physical conditions, operations, and compatibility with surrounding properties. Thomas told the board: "Lodging provided by a homeowner for compensation is recognized as a special use allowed in any residential zoning district," and she listed the conditions required before a final business license could be issued.
Applicants Doug and Cindy McGinnis, who said they manage the home for owner Jolene Anderson, said they have received neighbor support and keep local contact information available for guests. Cindy McGinnis said the owner "follows all the rules" and Doug McGinnis said the property has not generated police calls.
The board received a written letter of support from Jim Fisher, who signed it as a private citizen. During board discussion, one member noted a "long‑standing precedence" of caution on short‑term rental applications but did not offer a motion to deny. Board member Steven Coe moved to approve the special‑use permit; another board member seconded. The vote was 4‑0 in favor.
The permit was approved with the conditions described by planning staff: the applicant must secure a Montana public accommodations license through the Butte‑Silver Bow Health Department, meet all applicable building, fire and health code requirements, post a visible street address (including at night), and limit occupancy per the building and fire departments. Any future changes to the business or structure will require additional review by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The board closed the public hearing before making its decision.
