Kirby Planning Commission approves conditional-use permit for short‑term rental with conditions

On March 10 the Kirby Planning Commission approved a conditional‑use permit for a short‑term rental application tied to a property identified in the hearing record as 388 Locust Ridge. Chair Hillary DeCarlo opened the hearing noting the item as “a conditional use of caring for a short term rental with Melissa and Nick Hall.” The commission moved to approve the permit after hearing from the applicants and neighbors and agreeing written conditions would be attached to the findings of fact.

Applicants described the property as a long‑held family home and said they plan mostly seasonal weekend rentals aimed at skiers and bikers. The applicant said they prepared a renter guide and had safety measures in place, including smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher, and asserted a no‑weapons/no‑pets policy. “We want to be respectful obviously of the neighbors,” the applicant said. Commissioners and neighbors pressed for enforceable conditions; the commission agreed to require a local contact for complaints, cap parking at four cars, set quiet hours (10 p.m.), and prohibit fireworks and on‑site shooting. The board also required trash handling measures (applicants agreed to use cleaning staff and recommended bear‑proof receptacles) and noted road‑maintenance expectations for the private Locust Ridge road would be recorded in the permit where relevant. The commission instructed staff to draft written findings for issuance and notified the applicants by email when the conditional‑use document was ready.