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Willard committee recommends short-term rental permit for 26 South 500 West
Summary
The Conditional Use Permit Review Committee voted to recommend that the Planning Commission consider a conditional use permit for a short-term rental (Airbnb) offered from a basement unit at 26 South 500 West. Committee members and staff discussed parking, emergency-access signage, fire inspection and neighbor notice requirements.
Willard’s Conditional Use Permit Review Committee on Feb. 27 recommended that the Planning Commission consider a conditional use permit for a short-term rental operating from a basement unit at 26 South 500 West.
The applicants — Molly Forbush, Randy Forbush, Addison Morrison and Lehi Morrison — described the proposal as a small, managed short-term rental intended to provide lodging near local recreation areas. “We are here to propose the addition of a short term rental in the community,” Molly Forbush said, adding the owners would limit guests and prohibit parties.
Committee members and staff reviewed the application packet and raised operational and safety items. Staff noted the application included a floor plan and photos of off-street parking; Van (staff inspector) inspected the driveway and reported no on-street parking was expected. The applicants confirmed two off-street parking spaces for the basement unit.
Ben, the fire chief, advised the committee that emergency responders need a clear way to identify whether a call concerns the upstairs or the basement unit. He recommended signage and clearer emergency instructions so dispatch and responders can find the correct entrance. The applicants agreed to add a visible sign and to revise their emergency evacuation material to state the property address and indicate the unit is in the basement.
Committee members also reviewed safety compliance. The applicants said the property has certified fire extinguishers (one in the rental and others on the property). Staff said the short-term rental must comply with the town’s short-term rental ordinance and the International Fire Code and noted an initial safety inspection is required before the business license is issued.
Staff explained the licensing and notice steps: a short-term rental business license application (a $50 annual fee) has been submitted and must be approved after the Planning Commission hearing. Within 10 days of license issuance the property owner must mail a copy of the license and the conditional use permit to all property owners within 500 feet and provide proof of mailing (staff said certified-mail receipts are required).
The committee agreed to place the application on the Planning Commission agenda for March 20. After the discussion, a committee member made a motion to recommend the Planning Commission consider the conditional use permit request for the short-term rental at 26 South 500 West; another member seconded. The chair called for the vote and members responded “Aye”; the motion carried.
The applicants were told to schedule the required inspection and to provide updated emergency instructions and neighbor-notice proof as part of the licensing process. The committee emphasized that the city cannot issue the business license until after the Planning Commission action and completion of required inspections and neighbor notification.
