Residents oppose unhosted short-term rental application by Horse Park LLC in Ashley Woods

The Lexington Board of Adjustment meeting on July 14, 2025, focused on a contentious application by Horse Park LLC for an unhosted short-term rental at 111112 or 112 Ashley Woods Road. The proposal has sparked significant opposition from local residents, particularly concerning the implications of deed restrictions and the impact on shared private roadways.

During the meeting, Charles Wisdom, a resident of Ashley Woods Estates, voiced strong objections to the application. He argued that the proposed rental use violates existing deed restrictions that limit the property to single-family residential use. Wisdom cited a precedent from a 2018 Supreme Court decision, asserting that short-term rentals do not qualify as residential use under similar covenants.

Wisdom also raised concerns about the potential financial burden on residents due to increased traffic and maintenance costs associated with the private road leading to the property. He emphasized that the road is maintained collectively by the homeowners, and the introduction of a rental property could lead to higher expenses for all residents, particularly in terms of road upkeep during adverse weather conditions.

The board acknowledged the residents' concerns but clarified that their review process primarily focuses on zoning laws and ordinances, rather than private deed restrictions, which are typically resolved through the courts. Despite this, the board noted the importance of considering the nature of the roadway in their decision-making process.

As the meeting progressed, the board members indicated that the information presented by the residents would not alter the staff's recommendation for approval of the rental application. The discussion highlighted the ongoing tension between property rights and community interests, as residents seek to protect their neighborhood from what they perceive as disruptive commercial activities.

The board's decision on the application remains pending, with significant implications for the future of short-term rentals in residential areas of Lexington.