PLANNING COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
Chair Jeffery Grotsky called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Commission members David Bowering, Darrell Craig, Rob Fordi, Jane Richman and Paul Showalter, Kees de Mooy, Zoning Administrator, Jennifer Mulligan, Town Clerk and guests.
MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Mr. Grotsky asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the meeting of August 16, 2017. Mr. Showalter moved to approve the minutes as presented, was seconded by Mr. Bowering and carried unanimously.
402 N. KENT STREET – RECOMMENDATION TO PLANNING COMMISSION FOR BED & BREAKFAST
Mr. Grotsky stated that the proposal before them this evening was for a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals for an Airbnb at 402 N. Kent Street. Mr. Dave Slama (owner) stated that he did not want to use the verbiage “Airbnb” because he was not going to join the Airbnb Corporation. What he proposed was have the one bedroom cottage behind his residence available for rent much like a Bed & Breakfast but he would not provide meals.
Mr. de Mooy stated that a Bed & Breakfast would be the closest definition for Chestertown zoning, as it was defined as “a lodging place with no more than four (4) guestrooms or suites of rooms available for temporary occupancy, whose owner resides at the facility and where meals are only available to guests at the facility.”
Mr. de Mooy stated that the cottage has a bedroom, kitchen and bath which was newly renovated. Mr. and Mrs. Slama would not be serving meals, but they do reside on the property in the main house at 400 N. Kent.
Mr. de Mooy stated that R-2 Single Family Residential allowed for Bed & Breakfasts as a conditional use with a positive recommendation from the Planning Commission.
Mr. de Mooy stated that in order to meet the requirements for a conditional use, certain thresholds must be met, as follows:
- The location is appropriate and not in conflict with the Comprehensive Plan;
- The public health, safety, morals and general welfare will not be adversely affected;
- Adequate off-street parking facilities will be provided;
- Any additional standards of the zoning ordinances.
Mr. Bowering asked the length of time a typical guest may stay. Mr. Slama stated that he thought rentals would mostly be over weekends and he was going to try to cater to college parents and family weekends.
Mr. Showalter asked if the applicant has spoken with their neighbors regarding the application. Mr. Slama stated that he has spoken with most of the neighbors and they seemed to be supportive of the application. Ms. Mulligan stated that public notices will be going to all neighbors and a public notice will also be in the newspaper. Neighbors could speak in favor or against the application at the Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on Thursday, October 19th.
Mr. Slama stated that he has adequate parking on site. Off-street parking would not be required.
Mr. Bowering asked about tax implications. Mr. Slama stated that that there was a hotel tax he would have to pay to Kent County as well as normal income taxes.
Mr. de Mooy again outlined the requirements for a conditional use in the Zoning Code. Mr. Grotsky stated that he thought all requirements for a conditional use have been met and asked if anyone on the Commission would like to make a motion.
Mr. Fordi moved for a positive recommendation to the Zoning Board of appeals for a conditional use at 402 North Kent Street (part of 400 N. Kent Street) for a Bed & Breakfast, noting that all requirements are met on site, was seconded by Mr. Showalter and carried unanimously.
There being no further business, Mr. Craig moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Showalter and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Jeffrey Grotsky
Stenographer Chair