Lexington City Council approves Mercy LLC short-term rental permit despite neighborhood concerns

The Lexington Board of Adjustment convened on July 14, 2025, to address several applications for conditional use permits, with significant discussions surrounding the implications of local zoning ordinances.

The meeting began with a review of the current ordinance governing short-term rentals (SDRs). A board member expressed concerns regarding the ordinance's clarity and effectiveness, stating that it requires serious revisions. The member highlighted that the city council had previously disapproved applications due to proximity issues, specifically noting that SDRs cannot be located within 60 feet of one another. This has led to a more stringent approach to approving applications, aiming to prevent an oversaturation of SDRs in residential neighborhoods.

Despite the concerns raised by residents regarding the presence of SDRs, the board member emphasized that the current law does not provide grounds for disapproval based on neighborhood objections. The member acknowledged the community's apprehensions but reiterated that the application under consideration did not violate any zoning laws or traffic regulations.

Following this discussion, the board moved to a specific application from Mercy LLC for an unhosted short-term rental at 901 Wishbone Circle. The staff recommended approval, contingent upon four conditions. The board member made a motion to approve the application, which was seconded by another member. After a brief discussion, the motion passed unanimously, allowing the application to proceed.

The meeting then transitioned to the final case of the evening, concerning Horse Park LLC's request for a conditional use permit at 112 Ashley Woods Road. The board noted the presence of the applicant's counsel and indicated that staff would provide clarifications on several issues within the report before proceeding.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to adhering to existing zoning laws while balancing community concerns about the proliferation of short-term rentals in residential areas. The board's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to refine local ordinances to better serve the needs of Lexington's neighborhoods.