Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Short Term Rental topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Still Water planning commission approves two short-term rental licenses amid neighborhood concerns
Summary
The commission unanimously approved short-term rental licenses for 135 S. Melrose Drive and 1116 W. Stone Crest Ave after staff reviews and applicant presentations; neighbors at Stone Crest raised concerns about parking, turnover, and safety. Commissioners cited owner oversight and code limits in voting 5–0 on each application.
The Still Water Planning Commission voted unanimously May 19 to approve two short-term rental (STR) licenses, despite opposition from neighbors near one of the properties.
Henry Bbleheimimer of Development Services told the commission the applications were being considered under the current code (a related text amendment recently tabled by city council is not yet in effect). He said notices had been sent to properties within 300 feet of each application and showed a density example for 135 South Melrose Drive: of a 17‑lot block, the current draft code’s 20% cap would equate to about 3.4 licenses (which rounds to four).
Property owner Steve Stevens, speaking for 135 South Melrose Drive, said he and his wife have rehabilitated the 1,600‑square‑foot house and intend to rent it only a few weekends a year (Thursday–Saturday) to help cover carrying costs. Stevens said the house is typically advertised for four occupants, has a two‑car garage and additional driveway space, and that his son lives there part‑time and can respond to issues. No members of the public spoke for or against the Melrose application; a commissioner moved to approve and the motion passed 5–0.
The second application, for 1116 West Stone Crest Avenue (STR 240), drew public opposition. Applicant George Normington said he bought the house to maintain family ties to Still Water, plans to operate a two‑night minimum and mostly rent around events such as football games, and expects a maximum of four to six occupants. He also said he would limit parking to two driveway spaces and initially rely on a realtor/property manager if local assistance is needed.
Neighbors Hannah Standage and Amy Klene opposed the Stone Crest application, saying the neighborhood is a quiet, family area with narrow streets, parking on one side, many elderly residents, and a reliance on long‑term neighbors for safety and community. Standage said the neighborhood has no other short‑term rentals and worried frequent turnover would change its character. Normington responded that he would consider an age limit (for example, no renters under 25), prohibit parties, and work with the HOA; commissioners discussed tradeoffs and again approved the application 5–0.
What’s next: These approvals are recommendations or local permits under the city’s short‑term rental licensing process. Any future policy changes stemming from the text amendment now before city council would affect how density is calculated and may influence future applications.
