Committee recommends Planning Commission consider basement short‑term rental at 26 South 500 West

The Conditional Use Permit Review Committee on Feb. 27 voted to recommend that the Willard Planning Commission consider a conditional use permit for a basement short‑term rental at 26 South 500 West.

The applicants — identified in the meeting as Randy Forbush, Molly Forbush, Addison Morrison and Lehi Morrison — described the proposal as a managed basement rental meant to provide affordable lodging near local recreation areas. Applicant (speaker 6) told the committee, "we want to be a benefit, not a burden to the community," and confirmed a guest limit of four.

Why it matters: Willard finalized its short‑term rental ordinance within the last year, and this application is among the first to move through the new process. The committee focused on safety and operations requirements the applicants must meet before licensing, including a fire/code inspection, an annual business license with a $50 fee, and neighbor notification procedures.

Committee and staff details: City staff confirmed floor plans and parking photos were submitted and that Van had inspected the driveway and raised no parking concerns. Staff said the short‑term rental business license fee is $50 and must be renewed annually; a safety inspection tied to International Fire Code compliance is required prior to final licensing.

Emergency access and signage: Willard’s fire staff raised concerns about 911 dispatch accuracy from cellular calls and suggested an internal designation or visible signage so responders know when a caller is in a basement unit. Ben, identified in the meeting as Willard’s fire chief, warned that "when you call 911 from a cell phone, it's just gonna show us the little red dot" and recommended signage and written emergency instructions for guests to flag that the unit is in the basement.

Safety equipment and inspections: Fire staff advised a metal‑handled extinguisher inspected and tagged annually; applicants said three certified extinguishers are on the property and that one will be in the rental. Staff and committee members agreed a fire inspection (and general safety check) should occur before the license is finalized; the committee discussed whether Van or the building inspector should perform the final check.

Neighbor notice and proof: Staff emphasized that within 10 days of license issuance the property owner must mail a copy of the license and the conditional use permit to neighbors within 500 feet and provide certified‑mail receipts to the city as proof. The applicants acknowledged the requirement and said they will provide the mailings and receipts.

Next steps: Staff said the item will be placed on the Planning Commission agenda for March 20, 2025. A committee member moved to recommend the conditional use permit application to the Planning Commission; another member seconded the motion and the committee approved the recommendation by voice vote with no opposed recorded. The committee also approved minutes from Nov. 7, 2024, and adjourned.

What remains: The Planning Commission will consider the conditional use permit on March 20. Before that hearing and before the license is issued, applicants are expected to schedule the required safety inspection, post or provide guest signage and emergency instructions to assist dispatch, and complete the certified neighbor mailings and provide proof to the city.