Tuscaloosa board approves short-term rental at 2816 14th Street East

Michelle Coley, chair of the City of Tuscaloosa Zoning Board of Adjustments, opened the Jan. 26 meeting and the board considered ZBA0126, a petition by Andrea Renee Box to operate a short-term rental at 2816 14th Street East in Council District 5.

A staff presenter told the board the house is three bedrooms and two bathrooms, is not owner-occupied, and is equipped with cameras, motion detection, window locks and keypad locks. The presenter said, “Bridal Box will be the primary contact and will be available 24 hours a day during rental periods in case of an emergency,” and recommended a limit of four adults and two vehicles. The staff presenter also noted the property’s proximity to Veterans Memorial and Arcadia Elementary and that no written or in-person public comments were received.

Andrea Vaux, who identified herself as the petitioner’s representative, said she and her husband purchased the house for their son and daughter and intends to rent the property short term while their son finishes school. She said the house will be occupied by family members when not rented. Board member Mary Catherine Holt said, “I have no issues with the special exception. I think this is exactly what short term rentals are supposed to be used for, so I’m in favor.” Other board members likewise voiced support.

The chair read the petition and the board voted to approve the special exception; the transcript records affirmative votes and the petition was approved with the staff-recommended occupancy and parking limits. The board did not record any conditions beyond the occupancy/parking recommendation. The petition appears to conclude the board’s consideration of this property and no further public hearings on the item were recorded tonight.