Planning commission backs two short-term rental special-use permits in Franklin County

The Franklin County Planning Commission on April 14 recommended approval of two special-use permits to allow short-term tourist rentals at 4984 Webster Road and 1916 Jacks Mountain Road, forwarding both cases to the Board of Supervisors for a May 19, 2026 hearing.

Planner Tina Franklin told commissioners the property at 4984 Webster Road is a one-story, two-bedroom dwelling built in 1988 on about 2.27 acres, served by a private well and an on-site septic system that was pumped on Feb. 12, 2026; the closest residence is about 105 feet away. The parcel at 1916 Jacks Mountain Road is a one-story, two-bedroom dwelling built in 1980 on about 2.65 acres, with private well and septic pumped on Mar. 17, 2026; the nearest home is roughly 575 feet away. Staff recommended approval for both applications with six conditions, including compliance with Sections 25-138 and 5.5-72 of the Franklin County Code, $1,000,000 liability coverage, registration and inspection before occupancy, and providing a property-manager contact for adjoining owners.

Vice Chair Victor Evans, who visited both sites, moved to recommend approval of the Levin application, saying in his motion he found “that the use will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent properties, that the character of the zoning district will not be changed thereby, and that such use will be in harmony with the uses permitted by right in the zoning district, and with the public health, safety, and general welfare to the community.” The motion was seconded by David Clements and passed by roll call 6-0-0-1, with Chair Sherrie Mitchell abstaining because she had recused herself from that case. Pendleton announced the Board of Supervisors would hear the Levin case on May 19.

For the Smith application at 1916 Jacks Mountain Road, Jeffrey Smith attended and described prior short-term rental experience; Commissioner Evans moved approval with the same six staff conditions, seconded by Angie McGhee. The Planning Commission recommended approval by a 7-0 roll-call vote. Chair Mitchell announced that case also goes to the Board of Supervisors on May 19.

Both staff reports said the anticipated traffic and noise would be similar to a full-time single-family household and that each STR would be limited to a maximum of four adults unless the owner obtains required permits and inspections to add bedrooms. Staff noted the A-1 zoning character would not be changed by these approvals and emphasized the requirement that properties pass county inspections and register before being authorized for short-term rental use.

The Planning Commission’s actions are recommendations to the Board of Supervisors; final approval and any conditions the board may add will be decided at the May 19, 2026 hearing.