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Council debates short‑term rental SUP; some members seek to delay until city ordinance is ready
Summary
Council considered a special use permit allowing lodging without a full‑time on‑site operator at 3004 Don Hill Lane. Staff recommended a one‑year, nontransferable SUP with conditions (max 5 occupants, no pets). Council debated vesting and enforcement; a motion to approve failed for lack of a second and council directed staff to align action with a city‑wide ordinance planned for March.
The council held a lengthy discussion Feb. 26 about a special use permit (SUP) for a short‑term rental at 3004 Don Hill Lane that would allow lodging without a full‑time on‑site operator.
Merrill Griggs explained the SUP would be nontransferable with a one‑year term and included recommended conditions: a maximum occupancy of five people, no pets, posting the permit, and quiet‑hours restrictions. He said Planning & Zoning had earlier reviewed the matter and that staff is drafting a city‑wide short‑term rental ordinance to come before council in March.
Council members questioned whether approval tonight would vest the applicant with rights that future ordinance changes could not affect. The city attorney said some permit conditions set at the SUP level could be enforced but that other elements depend on how the forthcoming ordinance is written. One council member noted recent police reports for the property (noise complaints, a dog bite) and suggested strict conditions; another councilor recommended waiting to consider the SUP until the new ordinance is available so council can compare proposals.
A motion to approve the SUP was made by a council member but had no second. Council ultimately gave staff direction to coordinate the SUP consideration with the city‑wide short‑term rental ordinance expected in March.
Quote
"If you approve this, they will have to abide by whatever terms and conditions get approved in that new ordinance," the city attorney said, noting some permit requirements could still be applied.
Next steps
Staff will present the draft short‑term rental ordinance in March and will return to council with recommendations, including how existing or newly approved SUPs will be addressed relative to the new ordinance.
