Planning and Zoning to Discuss Guest Houses
I attended the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and listened again to the arguments for and against the city enacting regulations governing “Guest Houses”. A dispute in a neighborhood on Sayles Boulevard has caused the P and Z to spend many hours spread over several meetings listening and discussing these establishments. “Guest Houses” are generally described as residential homes that have been refurbished or restored to their former grandeur and then rented out on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis to anyone wanting to enjoy staying in a nice home rather than a hotel, motel, or “bed and breakfast”. The Commission was told that there are several of the “Guest Houses” spread throughout the city. Those opposed to them say they do not want a business in a residential zoned area. This discussion at P&Z has dominated their planned discussion and possible passing of the City’s new “Land Development Code”. They want the Code to get a full discussion by the full commission with input from the City’s Planning Department and input from the public. Both of these topics, the “Guest Houses”, and the “Land Development Code” will be on the agenda for the P & Z when they meet on October 19th. They plan an evening meeting beginning at 5:30 in the City Council Chambers in City Hall at 555 Walnut. The public will be invited to attend and express their views during public hearings on both topics. Please pass this information on to anyone you know with an interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission discussions.
Dave Boyll