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Commission presses for tighter short-term rental rules, urges alignment with Comprehensive Plan
Summary
Planning commissioners debated a draft short-term rental ordinance after Board direction to allow STRs by right in Ag and Woodland-Conservation; several commissioners argued new STRs should require special-use permits across zones to protect rural character and density until comprehensive zoning updates occur.
Staff recapped Board of Supervisors' direction and presented a draft ordinance: require special-use permits for Residential properties, allow by-right short-term rentals in Woodland-Conservation and Agricultural zones with higher setbacks and occupancy caps (6-8 persons), and limit one short-term rental per parcel unless an SUP is obtained.
Commissioner Catherine Grech and others pushed back, arguing the proposal conflicts with the countys Comprehensive Plan goals to protect rural character. Grech asked for setbacks and density metrics to be specified and recommended requiring SUPs across residential, agricultural and woodland-conservation zones to maintain local control. Commissioner Ken Johnson said the issue illustrates broader zoning mismatches that let commercial uses disperse into rural zones.
Staff noted the draft implements Board direction but said the Planning Commission has limited meetings before a potential public hearing and asked whether members wanted a separate meeting to complete work. Commissioners agreed to continue vetting the draft; Grech moved to table the STR discussion until the next meeting to allow more detailed work and alignment with the Comprehensive Plan. The motion passed 5-0.
