Julian Carter seeks conditional-use permit to operate short-term rental in accessory apartment

The Design Review Board opened a public hearing on Julian Carter’s application for a conditional‑use permit to operate an accessory apartment as a short‑term rental (Airbnb).

Carter told the board the apartment was added to the original house three years after it was built and that he intends to rent the unit on short stays. He said the apartment is already listed on Airbnb for longer stays and on the Furnished Finder website for 30‑plus‑day bookings; the permit request would allow bookings under 30 days. “The apartment is already listed on Airbnb for long term, so I just have to switch the minimum length of stay,” Carter said. He said he believes the unit was grandfathered under prior owners but is seeking formal approval to change its status.

Carter gave specific operational limits: two adults plus one child and one infant in a crib (a maximum of four people) and up to two cars parked on site; he said pets would not be allowed. He told the board he lives part‑time out of state but maintains local oversight — a housekeeper, two handymen and nearby neighbors will be the local contacts for cleaning and supervision. “The fire inspector passed me with no violations,” Carter said; the board noted the inspection report was included with the application materials.

A board member reported receiving a call from an abutter, identified in the record as Mrs. Kirby, who said she had no objection and encouraged approval. After questioning and public testimony, the chair closed the hearing and moved the board into a deliberative session to consider the permit application further.