BZA renews several short‑term rentals, reiterates business‑plan and septic requirements

The Wilson County Board of Zoning Appeals renewed several short‑term rental approvals during its September meeting, granting multi‑year renewals in some cases and setting conditions to ensure septic, address and business‑plan compliance.

Case 4326 (3650 Benders Ferry Road, David Hambach) was renewed for three years on the same business plan and a four‑guest cap. Staff said the property had been approved on Nov. 21, 2024, and that no complaints had been reported to staff. A board member moved to approve a three‑year renewal “based on staff recommendation and testimony given, with the approval being for 3 years with the existing business plan that's already on record,” and the motion carried.

Two adjacent lots owned by David Heimbach (cases 4327 and 4328 at 3684 Benders Ferry Road, Lots 6 and 7) were renewed with conditions. Staff said each had been approved previously for one‑year periods with two‑guest limits; the board renewed each for three years with the business plan adopted and a two‑guest maximum. The applicants discussed septic arrangements during the hearing: one lot has a standalone septic system while the other two cabins share a system that had been inspected for prior approvals. The applicants agreed to add the guest‑limit language to the business plan and to submit updated address information to the county.

Case 4335 (34 Cherry Point, Twin Coves) was renewed for one year on the same conditions as the prior approval: a six‑guest limit and no street parking. Staff noted the property does not meet the county’s two‑acre minimum but that the prior approval and the lack of complaints supported the renewal; the board chose a one‑year renewal period in alignment with typical practice when the prior approval had been for a year.

Across these renewals, staff reiterated that county code does not permit staff to unilaterally renew short‑term rentals and that the board may grant renewals at its discretion. Board members stressed that amended business plans and proof of septic/perk inspections should be submitted where staff requested them, and that applicants must keep the sheriff’s office and zoning office updated with caretaker contact information for enforcement purposes.