The Wilson County Board of Zoning Appeals on December 1 denied a request to convert a sub‑two‑acre property into a short‑term rental, approved renewals for two other rentals under tightened conditions and deferred another application that would require a caretaker‑distance variance.

Staff told the board the applicant for case 4230 did not meet the county’s two‑acre minimum for Airbnb‑type uses and therefore could not be recommended for approval. Stephen Billings, representing the applicant, said he owned the property and had been exploring options; staff noted the lot is approximately 28,749 square feet and that the zoning ordinance’s two‑acre threshold applied on appeals.

County Commissioner Lauren Breeze, who identified herself during the public comment period as commissioner for District 18, said she had received complaints and told the board the property was operating despite a violation notice. She said, “They’re still renting with 12 people with a septic tank probably for 4 bedrooms,” and urged the board to follow the ordinance and protect septic systems and public health. The board voted to deny case 4230 based on staff recommendations and the lot‑size deficiency.

The board granted a three‑year renewal for case 4231 (Clay Hare Sr.) after staff reported no complaints and found the applicant’s business plan upheld prior conditions. For case 4234 (Southern Mariners LLC), the board approved a renewal but amended staff recommendations to return the approval to one year and cap occupancy at eight people after staff and a commissioner noted the applicant’s online listing showed higher guest counts. The chair explained the amendment and the board voted to approve the one‑year renewal with the business plan and emergency contact information made part of the approval.

On case 4233 (6505 HR LLC), the applicant sought a variance to allow a caretaker who lives 12 miles from a 25‑acre equestrian property; county rules require a caretaker within 10 miles. Owner Greg Smith said he listed Kendra Bradley as his preferred caretaker because of her equestrian expertise. The board pressed the applicant to identify a closer, backup caretaker and the applicant requested a deferral so he could name a suitable local caretaker; the board deferred the case at the applicant’s request.

The board’s actions keep in force the county’s two‑acre threshold and its caretaker proximity rule as practical safeguards, while renewing some longstanding short‑term rental uses under more restrictive terms. The applicants who were deferred were told to work with staff and return when they can supply the supplemental information or a closer caretaker.