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Planning commission backs owner‑occupied short‑term rental at 147 Whiting Avenue
Summary
The James City County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a special use permit allowing two bedrooms of short‑term rental space at 147 Whiting Avenue, adding a condition that the owner must live on the property; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote.
The James City County Planning Commission voted April 1 to recommend approval of a special use permit allowing an owner‑occupied short‑term rental of up to two bedrooms at 147 Whiting Avenue.
Staff told commissioners the property is zoned R‑2 (low‑density residential) and is inside the county’s primary service area, and that the owner‑occupied nature of the proposal is a favorable factor. Staff also said the application did not meet three of four short‑term rental standards in the comprehensive plan and therefore staff could not recommend approval, but provided proposed conditions should the commission choose to forward the application.
Applicant George Buskkey told the commission he lives at the property, that no exterior changes or added infrastructure are planned, and that the operation would be low‑impact: occupancy limited to four guests, two bedrooms used for rentals, no parties or events, on‑site parking in the existing driveway, and enforcement of quiet hours and house rules. “I will remain actively responsible for the property,” he said.
Neighbors spoke in support. Glenn Carter, who lives three doors down, said he had no issues with the applicant and asked staff to explain the low‑density designation. Reverend Dr. Carlin Lasser of St. John Baptist Church urged approval, calling the proposal an example of local investment that could uplift the Grove community.
Commissioners debated the policy balance between protecting residential character and exercising case‑by‑case judgment. Several members noted the commission can proffer that the owner must reside on site, and reminded the public that SUPs run with the land and can be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors after five years.
A motion to recommend approval, with the added condition that the owner live on the property, passed on a roll‑call vote (Haldderman: yes; Pollster: yes; Rogers: yes; Everson: no; Pacero: yes; Dr. Alman, chair: yes). The commission’s recommendation and the proposed conditions will be included in materials the Board of Supervisors reviews.
Next procedural steps: the commission will forward the recommendation and proffers to the Board of Supervisors, which will make the final decision.
