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Commission approves short‑term rental at 5217 South Powell despite neighbor concerns
Summary
The Independence Planning Commission approved a short‑term rental permit for a three‑bedroom house at 5217 South Powell Avenue (case 2640063). Staff recommended approval with standard conditions; neighbors raised parking, noise and safety concerns. The commission voted 7–0 to approve.
The Independence Planning Commission voted unanimously June 9 to approve a short‑term rental permit for the property at 5217 South Powell Avenue (case 2640063).
Staff described the property as an approximately 8,800‑square‑foot lot with an 1,800‑square‑foot dwelling built in 2000 and a driveway that accommodates up to two vehicles without sidewalk encroachment. Staff recommended approval with the planning office’s standard conditions for short‑term rentals.
Alicia Gibson, who identified herself as the property manager for the applicants, told commissioners the homeowners live primarily out of state and would use the house part‑time. Gibson said the owners have installed an internal noise monitor and exterior cameras and have a management team available to respond to neighbor complaints within 45 minutes to an hour. “We always send guests house rules that there is hefty fines and even we can kick them out if they break the party rule of having more than the maximum occupancy,” Gibson said.
Two neighbors, Jacob Potter and Mike Potter, spoke in opposition, citing safety, parking, noise and the owners’ out‑of‑state residence. Potter said the neighborhood is largely residential and voiced worry about parties and increased traffic.
Gibson said she operates multiple short‑term rentals and that the property has a noise monitor set to notify managers after five continuous minutes of levels above 50 dB; the management team also monitors exterior cameras and can assess on‑site conditions. Commissioners asked for clarification about parking availability in the garage and the app‑based notifications the manager receives.
After closing the public hearing, Commissioner O'Neal moved for approval. The commission voted 7–0 to grant the short‑term rental permit. Chair Wy urged the owner and manager to reach out to nearby neighbors to address any ongoing concerns.
The permit includes the standard city conditions for short‑term rentals; enforcement would follow the city code if violations are reported. The case was closed following the vote.
