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The Joliet Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a zoning variation for an Airbnb proposed for a vacant house on Plainfield Road.
It would not likely be the first Joliet house to be used for an Airbnb, an online network that connects travelers with homeowners that have rooms that they’re willing to rent out for short stays.
“But it’s the first one that’s been brought to our attention that I’m aware of,” said city Planner Jim Torri.
The city does not have a zoning category allowing houses or rooms to be rented out for short stays, Torri said. So he is bringing the proposal to the zoning board for a variation of use.
The Airbnb website indicates that there are other houses available in Joliet for traveers. But Torri said the city has no list of such locations.
The house at 914 Plainfield Road “is on a major arterial street in a business district,” Torri said. City staff supports its use as an Airbnb.
It last was used to house an insurance agency. A house next to it is vacant.
A number of houses on the stretch of Plainfield Road approaching the Six Corners intersection have been converted to business uses as the the street, which also is Route 30, has become more commercial. A house next to the proposed Airbnb is vacant.
“It’s tough to maintain their residential uses,” Torri said.
Still, there are neighborhoods directly behind the houses and businesses that line Plainfield Road. And, 914 Plainfield Road has B-2 zoning, which makes it a neighborhood business district.
A staff report notes that motels are the closest comparable use to Airbnb houses, and motels are not allowed in B-2 zoning without a variation of use being granted.
The zoning board meets Thursday to consider the variation. It would next go to the City Council for a final decision.
Staff is recommending some required improvements for the site, including pavement of the parking area and repairs of the sign remaining from the insurance agency.