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Panel approves short‑term rental at 4125 South River Boulevard despite neighbor safety concerns
Summary
The Independence Planning Commission approved a short‑term rental permit for 4125 South River Boulevard by a 5-1 vote; neighbors cited a nearby long‑standing school bus stop and fears of parties, while the applicant, Karen Price, said she uses cameras, forbids parties and screens guests via Airbnb ratings.
The Independence Planning Commission on May 12 approved a short‑term rental application for 4125 South River Boulevard over neighborhood objections.
City staff presented case 2640048 and recommended approval, reporting a parcel of roughly 10,000 square feet with a dwelling the county lists as built in 1961 and about 900 square feet of living area. Staff said the property’s double‑wide driveway meets parking standards and recommended standard short‑term rental conditions including a maximum occupancy of six adults and a three‑bedroom limit.
Karen Price, who identified herself as the owner, said she bought and renovated the home after a foreclosure and operates multiple short‑term rentals in Kansas; she said she manages properties with on‑site cameras and staff and prefers long‑term listing stability over event‑driven bookings.
Neighbors spoke against the permit. Robert Fan of 4117 South River Boulevard told the commission, “I object to this 100%,” and said the corner is a long‑standing school bus stop and that unknown transient guests could pose safety risks to children. Neighbor Karen Wilson of 4121 South River Boulevard said the area is a single‑family community and asked whether background checks are done, expressing concern about property values.
Price responded that she forbids parties in house rules, uses cameras at the properties and requires that the person who books also be the occupant; she said she does not run separate background checks but screens guests by relying on platform ratings and that she only accepts guests with strong reviews. In response to a commission question, she described being a long‑time Airbnb superhost and said she enforces a minimum guest rating standard.
After discussion a motion to approve the application was made and seconded; the commission approved the short‑term rental 5-1, with Commissioner O'Neal casting the lone ‘no’ vote.
Chair Wy encouraged ongoing communication between the owner and neighbors and the commission adjourned at 6:39 p.m.
