Madison BZA approves five short-term rental permits with occupancy, parking and quiet‑hours conditions; neighbors voice concerns about noise, parking and supply

Madison City — The Madison City Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 8 approved five one‑year conditional‑use permits allowing short‑term rentals at properties across the city’s Central Business, Specialty and Historic Districts, and took routine action on several permit renewals. Each approved permit carried conditions limiting occupants and vehicles and specifying quiet hours.

The approvals came after staff recommendations, applicant statements about on‑site management, and extended public comment from neighbors who said short‑term rentals (STRs) strain parking, increase noise and reduce long‑term housing availability.

Why it matters: The board applied conditions intended to reduce neighborhood impacts — maximum occupants, vehicle limits and prescribed quiet hours — but several speakers said those conditions do not address the cumulative effect of many STRs in Madison’s downtown and historic districts. Board members repeatedly advised that state law and the city zoning ordinance restrict the board’s ability to impose numerical caps on the total number of STRs.

Most important actions and conditions - 517 West Street (BZCU‑25‑15), applicant Alex Hammock: approved for one year with maximum 2 occupants, maximum 2 vehicles and quiet hours 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Roll call: Scott Baldwin, Mark Acosta, Carl Eaglin, Rick Ferris and Nancy Burkhart all voted yes. - 505 West Main Street (BZCU‑25‑17),…