Flagler Beach commissioners unanimously rejected a request from two traveling nurses to convert their oceanfront home into a short-term vacation rental. The Oct. 22 decision left the property’s residential designation unchanged, with commissioners citing concerns about extending commercial zoning into a neighborhood—even as they expressed sympathy for the owners’ circumstances.
Key takeaways
The commission denied the land-use change that was necessary for the proposed tourist-commercial rezoning. The owners may still rent the home under the city’s existing rules, which require rentals to meet minimum duration requirements.
- The property is at 1647 N. Ocean Shore Blvd.
- Owners Monica Arodak and Mark Pillinger sought to change its designation from medium-density residential to commercial.
- Neighbors raised concerns about noise, trash and commercial uses spreading through residential blocks.
Owners described financial and family pressures
Arodak and Pillinger said they bought the home as a place to retire after falling in love with Flagler Beach while working as traveling nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caring for elderly relatives in South Florida has kept them from moving there, they told commissioners. They also said hurricane repairs cost more than $160,000.
Their attorney, Alanna Smith, argued the proposed rental use would fit with nearby vacation rentals. She said the owners were willing to sign a restrictive covenant limiting commercial activity on the property.
Commissioners weighed neighborhood impacts
Residents opposing the proposal warned that short-term rentals could bring noise and trash and lead to more commercial zoning in the area. Mayor Patti King said she sympathized with the owners but favored keeping the block residential, suggesting they consider a longer-term rental instead.
Commissioner John Cunningham questioned whether approving the request could lead to similar applications on nearby properties. Commissioner RJ Santore asked what other activities tourist-commercial zoning could permit. City Attorney D. Andrew Smith III said a covenant could restrict uses, but enforcing it could require legal action in court.
Commission Chair Eric Cooley said the commission had to consider protections for existing residents, while acknowledging the owners’ interest in using their property as they wished. He also noted they could rent the home under current regulations if they met the city’s minimum-duration requirements.
Denial leaves residential designation in place
The commission’s unanimous rejection of the future land-use amendment meant the accompanying request for tourist-commercial rezoning could not proceed. The property remains designated medium-density residential, and the owners can pursue rental options allowed under that designation.