Baldwin City Council approves two short‑term rental conditional‑use permits

The Baldwin City Council voted to approve two conditional‑use ordinances permitting short‑term rentals in the city.

Planning staff presented Ordinance 15‑01, a conditional‑use permit for a short‑term rental at 613 8th Street, and told the council the Planning Commission held a public hearing on Sept. 10 and recommended approval 5–0. Planning staff described short‑term rentals as Internet‑booked properties (Airbnb‑style) and noted the permitting process addresses parking and neighbor notification; staff said the property would be inspected, typically on an annual basis. A motion to adopt Ordinance 15‑01 passed on a voice vote, recorded as 4–0.

Similarly, staff introduced Ordinance 15‑02 for a short‑term rental at 821 6th Street; Planning Commission also recommended approval after a Sept. 10 public hearing. One member of the public (listed in the record at 822 Jersey Street) asked how many short‑term rentals are registered in town and what the conditional‑use permit fee is; staff answered questions and the council then approved Ordinance 15‑02 by a 4–0 vote.

Planning staff told the council that the Planning Commission solicits input from surrounding property owners, evaluates parking availability (one parking space per bedroom under the stated practice) and inspects properties to ensure code compliance. No neighbor opposition appeared at the Planning Commission hearings for these two applications, according to staff.

The council did not change the inspection cadence or conditions at this meeting; staff indicated inspections are generally done yearly by the building inspector.