Planning commission approves short‑term rental at 910 West Waldo Avenue; owners cite experience and limit occupancy to eight

The Independence Planning Commission on Tuesday approved short‑term rental application case 254001 for 910 West Waldo Avenue, voting 7–0 to allow the owners to operate a four‑bedroom short‑term rental with a maximum occupancy of eight.

Staff reported the property is Lot 10 of the College Lawn Subdivision, approximately 9,100 square feet, and the structure is roughly 3,000 square feet with three stories including a finished basement. Staff noted the basement will be inaccessible to guests, and the home is in an R‑6 single‑family residential zone surrounded by similarly zoned properties; the nearest short‑term rental is two blocks south.

Applicants Brian Barton and James Windleton said they already operate a short‑term rental in Kansas City with a five‑star rating and plan to maintain the house to preserve its historic character. They told commissioners they are roughly 20 minutes away and will comply with staff recommendations including noise monitoring and business licensing. Barton said they will provide off‑street parking for up to four vehicles (two in front of the garage, one in front, and on‑street options) and confirmed the owners will comply with host monitoring and Good Neighbor guidelines.

Staff clarified that the application allows four bedrooms and a maximum occupancy of eight. Conditions listed in the staff report include compliance with noise monitoring, Good Neighbor guidelines, business license requirements, transient guest tax and a fire prevention inspection before licensing.

The commission approved the short‑term rental application 7–0. Commissioners had no speakers in the public record for or against the request.