Lewiston planning commission approves short-term rental permit for 61 Park Lane, sets occupancy limit

The Lewiston Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 7 approved a conditional use permit allowing a short-term rental at 61 Park Lane and set a maximum occupancy of 12, while also discussing a draft ordinance that would establish citywide rules for short-term rentals.

Chairperson Pattie Wiser opened the meeting at 7 p.m. at Lewiston Town Hall. The CUP and business-license request were filed as “Synergetic Solutions, Keith Morris.” During the review, applicant Keith Morris said he planned to furnish four bedrooms and a pull-out couch and that he could initially advertise the property for 11 guests; the commission settled on a maximum occupancy of 12 and asked Morris to provide a copy of the house insurance and his sales tax registration number as conditions of approval.

Commission member Abel Herrera made the motion to approve the CUP with the discussed conditions; Jarred Glover seconded. The motion carried with four votes in favor and one abstention. Commissioner Jake Higley abstained from the vote, stating he is a coworker of the applicant. The transcript records the outcome as “motion passes 4/0” with Higley noted as abstaining.

Separately, Jarred Glover presented a cleaned-up draft of a proposed short-term rental ordinance and a checklist for applicants. Commissioners discussed the draft’s provisions on fees, permitted zones (Glover said all zones would be allowed except Commercial and Manufacturing), parking requirements, a recommended occupant “good neighbor” guide, and enforcement and warnings for prohibited activities. Glover said he will revise the draft and submit it for attorney review, after which the planning commission and the city council would consider it; he estimated the ordinance would be finalized in a few months.

The commission also reviewed the December 2025 building-permit report. Abel Herrera reported four permits had been issued in December, including separate mechanical, plumbing and electrical permits for a house renovation on 1600 South (applicant Rhett Dent) and an addition permit for the Vicars on 800 East.

With no public comments and no further business, Delon Mortimer moved to adjourn; Jake Higley seconded and the meeting was recorded as adjourned at 8:02 p.m. The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 4, 2026.

The CUP approval requires the applicant to provide proof of insurance and a sales tax registration number; the draft ordinance remains under revision and will supersede CUP-based approvals if and when adopted.