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Blackwells seek special-use approval to operate short-term rental on Lakeshore Drive
Summary
The committee reviewed a petition by Rex and Peggy Blackwell for a special-use permit to operate a short-term rental at 9449 Lakeshore Drive; planning staff relayed a favorable BZA recommendation with conditions including a general business license, capped occupancy, off-street parking, no events, and a required 24-hour local contact.
The Gary Common Council Planning and Development Committee heard a petition from Rex and Peggy Blackwell to operate a short-term rental at 9449 Lakeshore Drive.
Administration staff member Corey Sharp told the committee the Board of Zoning Appeals issued a favorable recommendation. Sharp read conditions the BZA attached: the operator must hold a general business license; the use must be limited strictly to short-term rental; maximum occupancy must be established with public safety and enforced; off-street parking must be provided and maintained; no events, parties or commercial gatherings are allowed; a local contact person must be accessible 24 hours a day; the property must comply with noise, nuisance and property-maintenance ordinances; the structure must retain a residential appearance and any expansion or change in use requires additional BZA approval; the city may inspect for compliance and repeat violations could lead to revocation of the special-use permit.
Peggy Blackwell told the committee she and her family live nearby and that the property was converted to a short-term rental after the family built a new house. She said the owners received a short-term rental certificate in 2023 and have operated without violations or complaints. The petitioner said they are now following the updated hearing processes and licensing requirements.
No formal vote or motion was recorded during the committee’s discussion in the transcript. The committee asked routine questions and received the petitioner’s assurances; staff will proceed according to the BZA-recommended conditions and any further council action would be reflected in subsequent meetings.
