Nicky Boyette – For the third meeting in a row, the Planning Commission was presented with an application May 10 for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a two-unit Bed & Breakfast at 8 Washington. Henry Branstetter, co-applicant with Tom McCoy, told commissioners they wanted to restore the nearly 6000 sq. ft. building into “a place where people stop and take pictures,” but to accomplish the goal they needed cash flow.
Since there are other B&Bs within 200 feet, Branstetter and McCoy also asked for a waiver of the 200-ft. rule.
Alderman David Mitchell, who owns the Heart of the Hills B&B and which is within 200 feet of 8 Washington, spoke in favor of the application. He pointed out the area is more commercial than residential, and Planning had granted a CUP to the previous owners three years ago. He stated the restoration would enhance nearby property values and urged Planning not to “continue down the denial path.”
Chris Fischer said he agreed with Mitchell’s sentiments, but suggested Planning “make more information available about applications as we go through this awkward CUP period.”
Nine letters were read into the record, and the score was 7-1 in favor of the application with one letter making points on both sides of the discussion.
Bill King stated in his letter he owned property within 200 feet, and in his opinion the applicants were an asset to the neighborhood. He stated, however, he would be opposed to the CUP if off-street parking did not follow City Code. He also encouraged Planning to look at the definitions in City Code related to B&Bs and bring them up to date.
Gwen Bennett stated in her letter she was opposed to granting a variance to the 200-foot rule, which she said was in place for a good reason. In her opinion, a variance would cast a shadow over future decisions by setting a precedent that she said was “equivalent to spot-zoning.”
In her letter, nearby neighbor Sandra Ostrander, on the other hand, gave “an enthusiastic two thumbs up” to the application. Ken and Debbie Davis noted “the property was literally falling apart,” and restoration plans “are an asset to the city.” Tyson Burden said the property had been abandoned “but they’ve saved it. He added, “I can’t imagine how else such a large property could be used.”
Other nearby neighbors stated their support and appreciation that the applicants took on the challenge of cleaning up the property.
McCoy pointed out the previous approval from Planning had been for a three-unit B&B and the current application was for two units, so there should be no problem complying with requirements for parking.
Commissioner Melissa Greene commented she was on Planning when the previous CUP was granted, and when the plan for the previous owners did not work out, the property sat untended. “It needs a use,” she said.
Commissioner James Morris said Planning had approved a CUP before, “and there is no other relief for it… we would lose the building if someone doesn’t do something.”
Chair Steve Beacham noted there would need to be a minor modification of one parking spot to satisfy Code. He also maintained that granting a waiver “is a pretty big deal.”
Morris responded that the situation falls under special circumstances the applicants did not create. Greene moved to approve the waiver of the 200-foot rule, and vote was unanimous in favor of her motion.
Regarding the request for the CUP, Greene reiterated she is a proponent of responsible B&B owners because the town needs home-based businesses. She cited several B&B owners who contribute to the city in a variety of ways.
Morris agreed. He said there is a B&B next to his home, and he has had no problems. He acknowledged, though, Planning should update City Code related to B&Bs to make it fair for everyone.
Beacham stated the applicants met the criteria for a B&B in Code, and vote to grant the CUP was unanimous.