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Planning commission approves short-term rental license for West 2nd Avenue property
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Summary
The Planning Commission approved a short-term rental license for 5212 West 2nd Avenue by a 4-0 vote. Owners described safeguards (minimum two-night stays, booking filters, six-guest limit, decibel monitors and local contacts) and said they had no known neighborhood problems.
The Stillwater Planning Commission voted 4-0 on March 24 to approve a short-term rental (STR) license application for 5212 West 2nd Avenue.
Henry Biebelheimer of Development Services told the commission the application was before the commission because an objection had been filed and, as the code states, the Planning Commission acts as the deciding body for short-term rental licenses. During his presentation there was an initial address misstatement on the slides and by staff; a commissioner corrected the record to 5212 West 2nd Avenue.
Applicants Brian Buffington and Tanner Buffington described ownership history and the property’s use. Brian Buffington said, "I'll be honest with you. We didn't know there was a permit required." Tanner Buffington said the owners had used the house as a short-term rental for about a year but had suspended bookings since starting the application process and outlined neighborhood protections: a two-night minimum stay, Airbnb’s 21-year-old minimum guest age, no auto-booking, a maximum of six guests, exterior Ring cameras to monitor check-ins, and decibel monitors inside the house to guard against parties.
Commissioners asked about past rental use and local contacts; the applicants said they have a local cleaner and a handyman and provided a nearby neighbor who could handle issues if they arise. Staff noted one letter in the packet complaining about a different short-term rental in the neighborhood, and commissioners distinguished that incident from this applicant’s conduct.
A commissioner moved to approve the STR as presented; a second was recorded and the motion carried on a voice vote, 4-0. The commission approved the application and documented the operational conditions the applicants described; the approval is effective subject to any permit issuance procedures the city follows.
Background and context: The applicants said the property has been in the family since about 2012–13 and has hosted guests for university and local-event weekends, and for contract workers. Applicants emphasized upkeep and neighborhood stewardship in their remarks.
