WORLAND — With the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission split on what to recommend to the council regarding short-term home rentals so the issue was tabled until the May 24 meeting.
The discussion began last month when Building Official Randy Adams said he was approached by a resident who wanted to know what he had to do to open a short-term home rental on property he had just purchased. Adams found there were already several properties listed on home-sharing sites Airbnb and VRBO.
During Monday’s regular BAPC meeting, Adams reported that most communities view the short-term home rentals as bed and breakfasts.
The board, with members Scott Fritzler, Mike Dykman and James Donahue absent, seemed in agreement that the short-term rentals should be allowed in any zone.
The difference in opinion came on if there needed to be any regulations. Dan Frederick said he thought special exemptions should be required, which would require short-term home rental owners coming to the BAPC for approval of the special exemption.
Michael Sanchez said he would be OK with a license that could be purchased at city hall, without approval from the BAPC. He said his concern is that while the current board is pro-business future boards might not be as business friendly and could deny many of the special exemptions.
Adams said he did not have a problem with the short-term home rentals being allowed in any zone, but felt it was important for the city to know where they are located, especially for emergency services.
Board member Landis Benson said he was leaning toward Frederick’s idea of special exemptions being required. “There will be some increased traffic, increased on-street parking” and possibly some additional noise.
“It seems to be some notification (of number of people) would be good,” Benson said.
Board member Jenn Rasmussen said she was leaning toward a permit or license process that Sanchez favoried.
Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Glanz said she would bring the issue to the council at the next meeting on Tuesday, May 18.
Benson said, “Any feedback from council will be helpful.”
In other business the board approved the site plan for a new 130-foot by 120-foot hangar for Ty Jenkins at the Worland Municipal Airport.
The hangar will be next to Jenkins’ 100-foot by 100-foot hangar. Josh of TO Engineers said the plan calls for a new taxilane to the new hangar. A new taxilane would require the spray plane pad to be moved further north than its current location.
The plan also allows for space between the hangars for a fueling tank to be added in the future.