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Council approves nightly rental license for 1115 S. Westfield Road with 10 p.m.–6 a.m. quiet hours
Summary
After hearing residents describe repeated late-night parties, the council approved a nightly rental license for 1115 S. Westfield Road. Staff said the applicant meets code and the license is administratively available; the council approved it with planning-commission conditions including quiet hours and an updated online listing.
The Toquerville City Council approved a nightly rental license for 1115 South Westfield Road but required that the rental show quiet hours and match the property’s approved sleeping capacity.
Applicant Derek Bertram (who identified himself at the meeting) said he began renting the house earlier this year while waiting for licensing because he needed supplemental income; he said he reduced advertised occupancy and implemented measures (a smart plug to cut stereo power at 10 p.m.) after neighbor complaints. Planning staff (Emily) told the council the property meets code and that a license was available; the planning commission recommended a condition that quiet hours be imposed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Several neighbors, including Johanna Adam, said the property had been advertised as a “luxury retreat” and hosted multiple loud parties while operating without approval. Adam said she felt unsafe during drunken, loud gatherings and urged the council to consider the documented pattern when deciding whether to approve a license.
City legal staff advised the council that the short‑term rental license is an administrative approval if the applicant satisfies the listed requirements, but that the council could attach reasonable, related conditions and that the license can be revoked by the planning commission if complaints continue. The staff also noted penalties for operating without a business license can include fines and other legal action under city code.
Balancing the applicant’s attempts at compliance with neighborhood concerns, the council approved the license with the planning-commission conditions: a clear listing reflecting the permitted occupancy and a quiet‑hours condition from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Council members emphasized that the license could be revoked swiftly if additional complaints are received.
What happens next: Staff will finalize the license paperwork, ensure the online listing is updated to reflect the permitted occupancy and quiet hours, and track any new complaints that could trigger a planning‑commission hearing.
