After a lengthy debate, Richmond’s Board of Zoning Appeals approved a couple’s request to allow their neighborhood home to be used as a short-term rental during its Wednesday, Nov. 12 meeting.
Petition BZA 18-2025, filed by the Rothwell Family Trust, sought a special exception to continue operating a non-owner-occupied, short-term rental at 3190 Toddsbury Lane in Richmond. The request had already come before the BZA in September when there were not enough members present to break a 2-2 tie vote. An October hearing was rescheduled to November.
Although the home has been operated as a rental for roughly three years, neighbors submitted numerous complaints and police reports tied largely to one 2024 incident involving renters whose dogs barked through the night. Several neighbors testified that short-term rentals have disrupted the neighborhood, citing late-night disturbances and renters who made threats against other residents. Others spoke in support of the Rothwells.
Dustin Purvis, the city’s planning director, said that city planning staff recommended approval of the exception, with the condition that pets be permanently prohibited, saying the home’s use as a short-term rental would not deviate from the neighborhood’s planned and approved uses, or alter the character of the area.
After extended discussion, the board voted 3-2 to approve the exception with the no-pets commitment. Nathan Sheets, Sayward Salazar and Josh Imhoff voted in favor while Jeff Cook and Rob Tidrow voted against.
The board also considered a request from property owner Matthew Ridgeway to allow three variances enabling construction of a second, 2,688-square-foot accessory structure spanning portions of South Sixth Street and South B Street. Ridgeway said he needs secure storage for several personal vehicles due to repeated incidents of vandalism in the neighborhood. Multiple nearby property owners, including local landlords, spoke in support of Ridgeway’s investment in the neighborhood.
Planning staff recommended denial, citing the property’s location within the Old Richmond Historic District, concerns about eliminating a residential lot, and the scale of the proposed structure, over twice the maximum size normally permitted for a residential accessory structure.
After discussion, the board voted 5-0 to approve the variances, allowing Ridgeway to proceed.
The board then considered petition BZA 23-2025 from Briannah Walker to permit a barber shop at 1029 Sheridan Street. Walker said she’s a lifelong Richmond resident and emphasized her commitment to serving the west side, which she said currently lacks personal grooming services. With planning staff recommending approval, the board voted unanimously to allow the use.
Finally, the board considered BZA 24-2025, a petition by Francisco Torres seeking after-the-fact variances for a nearly completed backyard recreation structure at 3003 Southeast Parkway.
Torres’ family and friends had begun construction without realizing permits were required. The structure, a picnic-shelter-style gathering space, stands 17 feet tall, includes approximately 800 square feet, and sits directly on the east property line—exceeding allowable height and size limits while requiring a zero-foot setback variance. No neighbors objected and two submitted letters of support. Staff recommended approval, citing minimal impact on adjacent properties and a written commitment that no further construction occur until all required permits are issued. The board approved the petition 5–0.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers at the Richmond Municipal Building, 50 N. Fifth St., Richmond. The public may attend.
This reporting was made possible in part by Whitewater Community Television.
A version of this article appeared in the November 19 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.