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Commission urges firearm disclosure and safety checks for short‑term rental applicants
Summary
During review of a proposed short‑term rental, commissioners recommended that applicants include a firearms‑disclosure clause and obtain an initial safety inspection (smoke/CO detection), while acknowledging annual inspections are burdensome.
As they prepared for the March 10 conditional‑use hearing, Kirby planning commissioners recommended that short‑term rental applicants include a firearms disclosure in rental rules and obtain at least an initial safety inspection to address neighbor safety concerns.
Commission members described prior cases where neighbors raised concerns about guests using firearms on properties close to woods, and they recommended a temporary, one‑time safety inspection to confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detection and other basic safety measures. A commissioner summarized common permit constraints: "We have the 2 people per room... per bedroom," noting occupancy limits are a primary way the commission manages impacts. Staff and commissioners said annual inspections would be a significant burden and that the board typically asks for an initial inspection certificate and documentation that detectors are monitored.
The commission also discussed the town's experience with false alarms that resulted in fire department responses and municipal billing; one member described past calls that together cost about $1,200. Commissioners said they would recommend a posted 24‑7 contact for neighbors to call with complaints and suggested the applicant include a firearms disclosure clause so hosts and guests understand local safety concerns.
