County delays on rentals, adopts wind farm rules

By JUDD WEIL

Staff writer

Marion County commissioners revisited proposed changes Monday to short-term rental regulations, including occupancy limits, but delayed action after briefly approving and then rescinding the measure.

The proposed amendments would increase the maximum number of guests allowed in most short-term rentals from 8 to 12, while setting a lower limit of 6 for properties at Marion County Lake.

The differing limits led to confusion during public comment.

“You’re trying to reduce what we have from eight to six,” resident Garth Mock said, referring to lake rentals.

County administrator Tina Spencer and county counselor Brad Jantz said that previously approved conditional use permits generally would be grandfathered, meaning existing rentals could continue operating under their current conditions if they remained in compliance and did not lapse.

“So if somebody has permission to have eight people, they can keep that,” chairman David Crofoot said.

Commissioners initially voted 5-0 to approve the changes. Moments later, however, they rescinded that vote after discussion with legal counsel indicated additional language, including a definition of “owner-occupied,” should be added before final approval.

The proposal is expected to return for further consideration once revisions are made.

Commissioners also approved updated wind energy regulations, adopting language developed over months by planning and zoning commissioners.

The amendments revise setback requirements and establish uniform standards for wind energy conversion systems across the county, with a focus on health, safety. The planning commission previously approved the measure on an 8-1 vote.

County Appraiser Nikki Reid told commissioners valuation notices must be mailed by March 1, with property owners having 30 days to file appeals.

Personal property valuations are nearly complete, though oil and gas renditions are not due until April 1, she said, noting that about 1,000 accounts were removed from the tax roll because of a recent state exemption.

Reid also reported aerial imagery work is nearly finished and that about 1,970 parcels are scheduled for reinspection this year.