The Butte-Silver Bow Zoning Board of Adjustment on Jan. 15 approved two special-use permits allowing short-term rentals in Units 201 and 302 at 701 South Arizona Street, subject to conditions recommended by planning staff.

Planning staff told the board the building sits in a mixed commercial/light-industrial zone and that the property already received a 2021 variance allowing residential use (variance 21-2). Staff flagged parking as the primary neighborhood concern, noting on-street parking as the likely primary option for guests. To reduce nuisance risk, staff recommended including specific parking instructions in rental listings, limiting occupancy to levels set by the Butte-Silver Bow building and fire codes, requiring a state public accommodations license through the health department, obtaining a Butte-Silver Bow business license, and ensuring addresses and entrances are clearly identified.

Applicants said they will follow staffing and parking recommendations. Matt Williams, appearing with his wife Carrie Phelan, said they are committed to reinvesting in Uptown Butte and already plan to implement the parking plan and a 'no parties' policy. Allison, single-member owner of Wonderland LLC, said her 872-square-foot unit is appropriate for short-term rental use, that she will engage local property management for day-to-day oversight, and that she has prepared materials addressing historical aspects of the building.

A board member moved to approve both special-use applications with staff conditions; another member seconded. The board voted unanimously to grant both permits. Planning staff will provide applicants with next steps and licensing information.

Next steps: applicants must secure required state and local licenses and ensure any remodeling or expansions meet building, health and fire codes; future changes to the business will require further board review.