Board grants short‑term rental exception at 610 Stone River Road with initial limits of 6 adults and 3 vehicles

The Tuscaloosa Zoning Board of Adjustment on Feb. 24 approved a special exception permitting short‑term rental use at 610 Stone River Road, with conditions limiting occupancy to six adults and three vehicles for the first year and requiring local contact information for on‑site response.

Planning staff presented ZBA‑07‑25 and said the applicant, Brian Halter, requested an allowance for short‑term rental use in an SFR‑1 zoned property in Council District 3. Staff reported the petitioner asked for permission for up to eight adults and four vehicles and recommended that number based on the site's parking. The proposed property management plan includes 24‑hour primary and secondary contacts (Halter and Eric Rodriguez), exterior cameras, keypad locks, and a planned noise detection system. Staff reported no public comments on the application.

Brian Halter, who said he owns and manages other rental properties from Carrollton, Texas, told the board his firm manages about 10 properties and that he is available by phone at all times. "We take great pride in our properties that we have. We want to be a good a good neighbor. My phone is by my side 24 hours a day," Halter said. He said his son would live in the house during fall and spring semesters and act as an on‑site contact when present; Halter said a local handyman would serve as the primary in‑town contact when needed.

During board discussion, Board Member Hamner expressed opposition to the full eight‑person, four‑vehicle request: "I think there's some short term rentals already in this neighborhood and, I'm not supportive" he said. Several board members said they would be comfortable approving a smaller initial cap—six adults and three vehicles—for the first year and then considering the higher occupancy at renewal if the rental record showed no problems. One board member asked that local contact information (the handyman) be filed as the on‑site emergency contact.

The board asked the petitioner if he would accept the modified limit; Halter agreed. The chair then read the petition and the board voted to approve ZBA‑07‑25 with the conditions (initial cap of six adults and three vehicles; local emergency contact information on file). The recorded vote shows four affirmative votes and the motion carried.

The zoning approval includes the condition that the property not be rented while the petitioner's son occupies the unit; Halter said the property would be used for short‑term rentals only during academic breaks and the summer. The approval is subject to usual permitting and licensing requirements (the petitioner was informed to obtain a business license from the city revenue office if he pursues long‑term rental), and to the 15‑day appeal period to circuit court explained at the meeting.