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Athens BZA approves conditional-use permit for short-term rental at 282 East State Street
Summary
The Athens Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a conditional-use permit allowing a short-term rental at 282 East State Street under ACC 23.04.04B1; applicant Riley Canard said the unit will be locally managed, reduce rentable bedrooms from three to two and include rules on occupancy and noise.
On March 10, 2026 the Athens Board of Zoning Appeals voted 5–0 to grant a conditional-use permit (case 26-02C) allowing a short-term rental at 282 East State Street in a B1 zone, under ACC 23.04.04B1.
Staff explained that short-term rentals are principally permitted in R3 zones but are conditionally permitted in B1. Lance Allison told the board that the B1 listing refers back to accessory uses allowed in R3, and that the board has discretion to attach stipulations such as a required local contact, security measures or noise restrictions if members find them appropriate.
Applicant Riley Canard, founder and general manager of Kindred Market, said the owner Larry Young has operated the property as a long-term rental and that Canard plans to convert it to a short-term rental while using one small bedroom as an occasional office. Canard said the house currently has three bedrooms and that the Airbnb configuration would reduce that to two rentable bedrooms, with an occupancy typically described on the application as up to four people. "I would have strict rules about the number of occupants, no parties or large events," Canard said, noting the proximity of Kindred Market at 284 East State Street and the benefit to local businesses.
Board members discussed compatibility with the commercial corridor, potential impacts on the local housing supply from removing rentable bedrooms, parking and public-safety considerations, and the advantage of having a local manager available as a 24/7 contact. One member noted a common concern that short-term rentals can reduce long-term housing stock; others said this location—on a business strip adjacent to other commercial uses—was more compatible than a typical residential neighborhood.
A motion to approve the conditional-use permit was made, seconded and carried 5–0. The board recorded that it could have imposed conditions (for example, a required local contact or noise restrictions) but chose to approve the use as presented. Staff noted that the property will be subject to applicable city registration and transient-guest tax rules if operated as a short-term rental.
The decision grants the conditional use for the address and was approved by the board at the March 10 meeting; the board did not attach additional stipulations in its motion.
