Nicky Boyette – The Planning Commission convened for a workshop on City Code revisions an hour before the regular June 14 meeting, and commissioner Melissa Greene announced she would act as chair because previous chair Steve Beacham had resigned from the commission.
Commissioners had agreed to review definitions and sections in Code which have incited contention at recent city council and Planning meetings, such as the 200-ft. rule and the “same or similar” language regarding Conditional Use Permits.
Commissioner James Morris commented during the workshop the city should look at the bigger picture when it considers rentals in the city. He pointed out he is a landlord and it is hard to find year-round renters because of the paucity of year-round jobs in town.
New commissioner Susan Harman suggested simplifying their task by having a category in Code called “lodging” and figure out definitions and conditional uses from there. She also suggested letting go of “similar” or at least more clearly defining what it means. Greene followed by saying they maybe should instead define what “similar” excludes. For example, a Bed & Breakfast serves a meal and so does a restaurant, so are they similar?
Greene also pondered requiring an owner, not a manager, to live on site for a CUP, and warned that the city must prepare for the current wave of rental options such as Airbnb.
Commissioners also chewed over ways to promote better enforcement of regulations for tourist lodgings and B&Bs and how to be fair to everyone as they address things going forward. Harman observed the situation is “not horribly broken,” just in need of some clarifications.
As time ran out on the workshop, commissioners agreed they would consider a single category called lodging and see where it goes. Morris added to the mix the 200-ft. rule, and commissioner Woodie Acord replied, “We’ll sort them out one at a time.”
Regular meeting
Primary discussion during the regular meeting was a continuation to review definitions in City Code regarding lodging. Of a list of 11 items to consider, commissioners agreed that suggestions for corrections in City Code for five items were complete.
Regarding a Tour Home, for example, the recommendation was “CUP required in all R zones. Hours of operation in R zones for non-private events: Sunday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.”
Suggested stipulation for “weekly rental tourist lodging” was, “Dwelling in which lodging is offered for a six-night period to one renter only. The property can be occupied for fewer nights than 6, but only one rental agreement during that time is allowed.”
Among the definitions still on the treadmill are Bed & Breakfast, 180-day rule, and boarding house.
Other items
- Greene reported City Economic Development Director Glenna Booth is working on a list of possible CUP violators, and as many as 10 permit holders might be asked to appear at Planning.
- Morris and Greene both lamented the resignation of Beacham. Acord commended him on his record of public service.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, June 28, at 6 p.m.