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Property owner says inspections, zoning rules stalled bed-and-breakfast plans; council offers follow-up meeting
Summary
At the June 10 meeting, property owner Joseph Mbeay said inspections and changing permitting guidance stalled his plan to open a bed-and-breakfast after investing $350,000; councilors urged a joint meeting with planning and LNI and pointed him to departmental remedies.
Property owner Joseph Mbeay told the City of Chester council on June 10 he purchased and renovated a gateway property and is seeking to open the city’s first bed-and-breakfast, but said the licensing and inspection process has been stalled by conflicting guidance and what he described as intimidating inspector behavior.
"I stand here hurt and violated," Mbeay said, recounting a September 2022 purchase and more than $350,000 in renovations. He said his application for a BMBB (bed-and-breakfast) was submitted in April and that inspectors — identified in his remarks as led by an "Inspector Frankie" — arrived without clear authority, behaved “in an intimidating, unprofessional manner” and, he said, prevented him from entering his own property. Mbeay said inspectors wore police-like badges and that his young son was frightened by the exchange.
Council members acknowledged the renovation work and said they would facilitate a joint meeting between the planning department and LNI (codes/inspections) to clarify ordinance interpretations and resolve the outstanding permit issues. Nona, who represents community and economic development staff, invited Mbeay to her office and said LNI and planning operate within the same department and follow the International Property Maintenance Code and city ordinance. Mayor Roots and other councilors urged the property owner to pursue internal remedies with the director and, if necessary, legal action.
Why it matters: The exchange highlighted repeated public concerns about inconsistent permitting guidance and inspector conduct. Councilors asked staff to review the case, encouraged submission of citizen-request documentation and proposed a joint departmental meeting to identify whether ordinance changes, policy clarifications or additional staff training are needed.
Next steps: Staff and the property owner were asked to arrange a follow-up meeting; council did not launch an on-the-record inquiry during the session.
