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Board approves several expedited variances and short-term rental permits, denies one STR for repeated violations
Summary
The Lexington Board of Adjustment approved two expedited variances, approved two short-term rental permits and denied one after a record of citations; Gulf Coast Paradise Properties LLC’s application for an unhosted short-term rental was denied 5-0 because of repeated noncompliance and outstanding citations.
At its May meeting the Lexington Board of Adjustment handled multiple expedited items and short-term rental requests: two conditional-use/variance items were approved on the expedited docket, two short-term rental permits were approved and one unhosted short-term rental was denied for repeated violations.
Expedited approvals: The board approved Messer Realty Holdings LLC’s variance (PLNBOA26-26) to reduce a front-yard setback and sign setback at 854 West Main Street. The board also approved James T Nash Builder Inc.’s variance (PLNBOA26-30) for a setback reduction for townhouses at 2408 Flying Ebony Drive; staff had recommended approval on both cases and the applicants affirmed agreement with listed conditions.
Short-term rentals and compliance: The board approved an application for a hosted short-term rental (PLNBOA26-27, Larissa Rapchak Erwin) after the applicant agreed to four conditions. By contrast, Gulf Coast Paradise Properties LLC (PLNBOA26-22) sought an unhosted short-term rental at 1079 Tates Brook Drive but staff opposed based on multiple citations and a history of operating without the required license. Planning staff Ryle Browning noted outstanding compliance issues and said the property remained listed online despite citations. Applicant representative Tara Ducker said new owners were unaware of changes to the law when they purchased the property and said they had begun to remedy fines; two citations were paid the morning of the hearing. The board voted 5-0 to deny the conditional use permit for Gulf Coast Paradise Properties, citing repeated noncompliance.
Derek May (PLNBOA26-25) sought an unhosted short-term rental at 2037 Bridal Road; staff recommended approval for up to eight occupants with existing on-site parking. Neighbors opposed on grounds of neighborhood character and safety, including a testimony referencing a prior disturbing incident involving the applicant (which the applicant acknowledged as part of his history and said he has addressed). The board approved the conditional-use permit for Derek May with the standard conditions staff listed.
Votes at a glance: • PLNBOA26-26 Messer Realty (variance) — approved on expedited docket. • PLNBOA26-30 James T Nash Builder (variance) — approved on expedited docket. • PLNBOA26-27 Larissa Rapchak Erwin (hosted STR) — approved (expedited) subject to four conditions. • PLNBOA26-22 Gulf Coast Paradise Properties LLC (unhosted STR at 1079 Tates Brook Drive) — denied 5-0 due to repeated violations and unresolved compliance. • PLNBOA26-25 Derek May (unhosted STR at 2037 Bridal Road) — approved based on staff recommendations and conditions.
The board adjourned and set the next meeting for June 8, 2026.
