SJ City Commission Approves B&B Regulations

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The St. Joseph City Commission may be close to putting the issue of bed and breakfasts to bed. At Monday’s meeting, the commission unanimously approved a first reading for a B&B ordinance change that would ban them in areas zoned as R-1 and R-2. Those are typical single family home neighborhoods.

“The ordinance will allow them in other areas, like waterfront and recreational, those locations, but in R1 and R2, which is the downtown area and over by Wayne Street, Trinity Lutheran, they will be banned,” Mayor Mike Garey told WSJM News. “If you’re existing, you’re fine, but no new bed and breakfasts will be allowed.”

Garey said he had some reservations about passing a sweeping, blanket sort of law, but told us he’s happy to see the matter settling down after it’s created a wedge in the community recently. If the commission approves a second reading on that ordinance amendment, it will take effect several weeks later.