Commission approves short-term rental at 651 Liberty Ave; requests study of citywide cap

The Weed City Commission approved a conditional use permit Tuesday allowing a short-term vacation rental at 651 Liberty Avenue, adopting staff recommendations designed to address parking, noise and neighborhood impacts.

During the staff report, a staff member outlined municipal-code requirements for short-term rentals, including the need to pay application and business-license fees and to remit transient-occupancy tax on the same terms as hotels. The staff member also recommended designated parking spaces and limits on the number of vehicles, that the property owner register a 24-hour contact with the police department for complaints, and that the owner be responsible for snow and ice removal on sidewalks. "With these provisions in place, staff believes the short-term rental at this location would not significantly disrupt the surrounding homes in the area," the staff member said.

Applicants Jason Jay and his wife, Michelle J., told commissioners the house had been in the family and that Jason's cousin Julie—who manages nearby short-term rentals—would serve as a local manager and primary contact. Jason said the driveway and front area "could easily serve five" vehicles. The couple confirmed there would be no pets and that they would arrange snow and ice removal and provide a local point of contact.

Staff reported one written neighbor objection, saying the neighbor opposed the permit because of limited housing availability in the area. The commission discussed those concerns but also weighed staff's recommended conditions.

A motion to approve the use permit was made, seconded and carried. The record shows at least one commissioner voiced opposition during the voice vote; however, no roll-call vote tally was recorded in the transcript. The permit was approved subject to the conditions described by staff.

Commissioners also discussed whether the city should adopt a citywide cap on short-term vacation rentals. A commissioner asked the council to "consider establishing an ordinance on putting a cap on these short-term vacation rentals," and colleagues said staff should first determine how many permits are currently issued before recommending a numerical limit. No ordinance was proposed or voted on at the meeting; the request was for a study and report back.

The meeting proceeded with routine business, including a report that student housing projects remain on track to break ground in December with occupancy planned by October of next year, a safety concern notification to public works about a loose boulder near the museum, and a note that a Motel 6 has reopened. The commission adjourned after those items.