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Planning commission approves short‑term rental rezoning at 13 Oakwood despite neighbor objections
Summary
The commission approved rezoning 13 Oakwood Road to allow a 29‑day short‑term rental after staff recommended approval; neighbors said the property was already being marketed and raised safety and parking concerns, which the applicant’s representative disputed.
The Little Rock Planning Commission voted July 9 to rezone 13 Oakwood Road to allow short‑term rental use with a maximum stay of 29 days, after staff recommended approval and commissioners found the staff conditions acceptable.
Becca Swarna, representing the property owner, told the commission her firm would manage the property and follow city rules, including monitoring bookings and limiting event use. "We play by the rules with that," she said, noting the property has a circular drive that can accommodate several vehicles.
Neighbors Stacy D. Fletcher and Jonathan Manley opposed the rezoning at the hearing. Fletcher said the property had been advertised for rent before the owner obtained the city permit and argued that early marketing showed a disregard for the permitting process. "They're already breaking the rules," she said, citing the ordinance requirement that a business permit be secured before operating as a short‑term rental (referencing Section 36‑604 on compliance).
Swarna disputed the criticism and said the listing reflects a management transition and that her company follows the city’s permitting process for its hosts. She described typical guests at her properties as families, patients seeking treatment at UAMS and business travelers and said the firm uses exterior cameras and booking controls to reduce nuisance risks.
After brief commissioner discussion, a motion to approve the rezoning subject to staff conditions passed on a roll‑call vote (Baxter absent). The commission did not record any enforcement cases or police reports for the property in staff files and staff noted existing off‑street parking for at least two vehicles within a circular driveway.
The approved rezoning permits the property to operate as a short‑term rental under the conditions laid out in the staff report; opponents said they would monitor compliance and could follow up with enforcement if violations occur.
