Council approves homestay permit at 1307 Boone Drive with access condition

Bedford Town Council voted unanimously March 17 to approve a conditional‑use permit for a homestay at 1307 Boone Drive, adding a single condition that the property have legal, physical access to a public road.

The council acted after staff summarized the planning commission's Jan. 7, 2026 public hearing, which had recommended approval with a condition addressing an adjacent owner's concern that an existing driveway crosses his property and raised questions about liability. Town Manager Warner said the commission's intent was to ensure guests would have clear, legal access to the street.

During council discussion, members said they wanted to avoid micromanaging how neighbors resolve private property arrangements. One councilor suggested amending the condition to require only that the site plan show legal physical access to a public road; the council adopted that narrower wording and moved to approve under that condition.

Applicant Courtney (first name as given in the record) told council the driveway has been used for decades and that the deed submitted with the application shows older access rights; she said the owner understands changes may be needed and has agreed to adjust the access at the owner's expense if required. Planning staff (S12) explained that enforcement would follow the homestay enforcement process set out in the town's home stay code section and that neighbors could file complaints for investigation.

The resolution approved by council authorizes the conditional‑use homestay at 1307 Boone Drive (tax map 133‑1‑2B‑10) with the requirement that the site demonstrate legal physical access to the public roadway. The council recorded unanimous aye votes and the motion carried.

The council did not change fees or further conditions at the meeting; staff said the applicant and adjacent owners should work out detailed driveway placement and any plat corrections outside council action.