Auburn council approves short-term rental permit at 180 Greenfield with parking, trash and no-flame conditions

The Auburn City Council unanimously approved a short-term rental permit for 180 Greenfield Avenue on Feb. 9, 2026, adding conditions aimed at limiting neighborhood impacts.

Mayor Kelly Davis opened a de novo hearing on an appeal of the planning commission's Oct. 21, 2025 approval of the permit and heard presentations from city planning staff, the applicant and neighbors. Planning staff described the application timeline, saying the permit application was submitted May 20, 2025, public notice was sent to property owners within 100 feet and the planning commission approved the permit after receiving three letters of objection raising concerns about parking, fire safety and neighborhood character.

Doug Houston, the property owner and applicant, told the council he operates the unit with a three-night minimum and estimated about 24 bed-nights a year. Houston said about 45% of stays were long-term and he frequently blocks weekends for personal use. He said the parcel includes a two-car garage, a…