Commission recommends OR20A rezoning allowing non-owner-occupied short-term rentals in transition areas; one commissioner dissents

The Planning Commission recommended approval of an OR20A zoning change for two parcels on Thompson Lane that would permit office and residential uses and enable short-term rental (STR) permits, including non-owner-occupied STRs where allowed by code. The commission's approval followed a contentious public hearing in which supporters described the proposal as a small-business, home-based hospitality operation and opponents said STRs displace long-term housing.

Staff initially published a disapproval report recommending a NS (no short-term rental) condition, but after additional review and acknowledgment that the parcels had earlier received Parking/Distance waivers through the Board of Zoning Appeals and that the transition (TR) policy can support OR20A, staff revised the recommendation to approve OR20A. Planning staff said the transition policy supports either OR20A or OR20A-NS and that the parcels lie along an arterial and are within a policy area that can allow office and residential uses.

Neighbors and some commissioners voiced concerns that non-owner-occupied STRs reduce long-term housing and can generate complaints; some residents asked that STRs be limited to corridors rather than neighborhood interiors. Supporters, including the applicant, said they hand-screen guests, operate professionally as a small property-management business, and have council support.

After discussion commissioners voted to recommend approval of OR20A for the two Thompson Lane parcels; one commissioner voted against the recommendation. The item will now advance to Metro Council for final action.