Boone County committee rejects zoning text to permit short‑term rentals subject to licensing

The Boone County Administration Committee on March 6 debated a proposed zoning text amendment, TA‑03‑2025, that would have added short‑term (vacation) rentals as a permitted use in A‑1 agricultural zoning subject to a county licensing program; after extended public comment and board discussion the committee voted to reject the text amendment and the measure failed at the committee level, though the matter will still be considered by the full county board.

The proposal began under review after a referral from the Zoning Board of Appeals, which had recommended allowing the use via a special‑use permit. Committee chair Carl Johnson moved to amend that approach and treat short‑term rentals through an administrative license rather than a special use; the committee approved that procedural change earlier in the discussion. Staff then presented a draft licensing framework to apply if the board adopted the zoning change.

Why it matters: The amendment would have created a county‑level pathway for homeowners or property owners to offer rentals for stays of less than 30 days in unincorporated Boone County. Supporters said a licensing approach would give the county a regulatory tool to require safety inspections, septic capacity checks and occupancy limits; opponents warned it could encourage property purchases for rental use, reduce long‑term housing availability and create enforcement burdens for county departments.

Public comment illustrated the divide. Christine Jarvik of Shaw Road, speaking during public comment, said she opposed TA‑03‑2025 and told the committee she had submitted materials to the zoning board demonstrating resident opposition and arguing that vacation rentals had raised home prices and…