Despite nearly a half-dozen neighbors speaking in opposition, the Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a permit Thursday to allow a property owner to operate a short-term rental on Timber Trail.
Julie Glaser requested a special exception permit to operate a short-term rental at 1500 Timber Trail.
“I don’t anticipate it being a frequent occurrence but thought it might be a nice option to have,” Glaser said, adding the home would be rented out about two or three times a month.
With a short-term rental, a renter could only stay in the residence for less than one month under the city’s ordinance. A property owner also could rent out a lodging room where someone rents a single room or basement for less than a month. Short-term lodging room rentals cannot have multiple rentals in the same residence.
Several property owners in the area spoke in opposition to the proposed short-term rental, with many expressing concerns there would be increased noise and traffic. Some said they thought the short-term rental could decrease surrounding property values.
“(Short-term rentals) are geared toward young adults, and this is a quiet neighborhood that consists of seniors,” resident Martha Kleindienst said. “We value the peace and quiet in our neighborhoods. That’s why we moved there and continue to live there.”
Some said they also worried renters would throw parties. Property owners cannot use short-term rentals for receptions, parties or weddings, according to the city code.
A maximum of five unrelated people or an unlimited number of related individuals can stay in a Jefferson City short-term rental at a time.
If a property owner violates the city code, Jefferson City Planner 1 Ian Zollinger said, the permit can be revoked.
Glaser said she plans to maintain the property.
“It’s my home, my children’s home. I’m obviously going to keep it up,” Glaser said, adding she has made several interior and exterior renovations to the property.
Commissioner Jack Deeken spoke in favor of short-term rentals, adding he has stayed in several without issues.
The commission recommended approval of a separate special exception permit for 612 E. McCarty St., owned by Tony and Jenny Smith. The Smiths plan to operate a short-term rental at the residence.
The Jefferson City Council will hear both requests in February.
A year ago, the Jefferson City Council legalized operating short-term rentals in the city limits. It has heard and approved less than a half-dozen special exception permits for short-term rentals.
Short-term rental operators must pay the city’s 7 percent lodging tax and obtain business licenses, according to city code. The property owner also must adhere to the city’s building and fire code inspection requirements.
In other business Thursday, the commission unanimously recommended approval of the Missouri American Water Company’s request to rezone 8.49 acres at 311 and 320 Hoover Road from a Planned Unit Development to M-1 Light Industrial. It also requested amending the Development Plan Map in the city’s Comprehensive Plan to reflect the change.
The company plans to relocate its existing facility at 906 W High St. to the Hoover Road location.
While the land has been rezoned a couple of times since it was annexed into the city in 1967, it has remained undeveloped.
Tim Theroff, manager of the nearby Riverview Cemetery, said he would prefer the property remain a PUD zoning as it would add some restrictions. A PUD zoning requires the property owner to propose a PUD plan, which limits the property use to that plan unless approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Jefferson City Council.
If the property remained a PUD zoning, the company would have to go to the city for approval if it wanted to do certain activities like moving a storage shed or adding a spot for gravel, said Paul Sampson, a project consultant with Central Missouri Professional Services. This would be “terribly burdensome,” he added.