Short-term rental at county lake approved
Staff writer
Dustin Raney’s application for a short-term rental at Marion County Lake was approved 4-1 Monday. County commissioners Clarke Dirks was opposed
The vacation home and short term rental is at 30 Lakeshore Dr. Raney hopes to rent it for $6,000 a month.
Raney previously advertised the property with enough space for 12 people, but this would violate county rules. The application was changed to a maximum of eight people.
Commissioners questioned how difficult it would be to police the number of people at the house. At times like for a barbecue or graduation, there would be a lot more than eight people for a few hours.
“A lot of these homes are second homes and are only used on weekends,” Dirks said.
Commissioner Mike Beneke received complaints about the project from neighbors.
“I hear it all,” county attorney Brad Jantz said. “It’s a challenge to enforce it.”
Planning Director Sharon Omstead said she couldn’t recall applications being denied because of the proximity of other homes. Homes in that area are 10 feet apart
“It is within our regulations,” chairman Jonah Gehring said, but he added that parking was addressed in the conditional-use permit application.
When Dirks tried to explain why he voted no, Gehring told him there was no a reason for him to do so.
In other business Monday, commissioner Kent Becker brought up having security at the courthouse.
“I think the sheriff can handle that,” Becker said, though Beneke pointed out the sheriff’s office was short three officers.
“We have people that are stationed over there,” Becker said. “I just brought it up for discussion. I think the sheriff’s office can do it as part of their duties.”
Dirks said he wanted at least some presence of law enforcement.
“An officer presence is a big deterrent,” Dirks said. “Sometimes that is all it takes.”
Commissioners decided to ask Sheriff Jeff Soyez to for his input.