Planning commission recommends approval of short-term rental at 5702 Penrose Ave. N.

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission on May 8 recommended that the City Council approve a conditional‑use permit allowing a short‑term rental at 5702 Penrose Avenue North.

Scott, a city staff presenter, told the commission the R‑1 single‑family property is the owner’s homesteaded principal residence, has two bedrooms and 1.5 baths, and sits about 681 feet from the nearest existing rental at Covert Park Manor. He said the zoning code allows transit lodging subject to a home‑occupation permit and city lodging/tax compliance, and staff proposed the standard conditions used in prior short‑term rental approvals.

At the public hearing the owner — who identified themself only as the property owner — said they had remodeled a previously dilapidated house and planned to rent the unit mainly on weekends when not in residence. “I purchased this when I was in very dilapidated and tough shape… I love the community,” the owner said, and added they expected to list the property on platforms such as VRBO or Airbnb and to limit rentals during winter months when the owner would be present.

Commissioners noted that a conditional‑use permit runs with the land but that a separate home‑occupation license and tax registration are required and monitored by the city. After brief discussion about neighbor support and enforcement (including occasional site inspections and tax reporting), the commission voted to recommend approval with the staff conditions and advised the applicant to attend the city council meeting, which will take final action on May 27.

The commission’s recommendation forwards the record and conditions to the council; the council will hold the final vote on the conditional‑use permit at its next meeting.