Hastings seeks public input on zoning changes for short-term rentals, adult establishments

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - The city of Hastings is asking residents to weigh in on a proposed zoning code change that would affect short-term rentals such as Airbnb rentals, and adult entertainment spaces, including bars, liquor stores and other establishments.

City officials say the current zoning code has limited language addressing those types of businesses. Adult establishments are listed as requiring a conditional-use permit, but no districts currently allow that permit.

Development Services has proposed definitions for assembly and retail adult establishments, but city officials say public input is needed before any regulations are drafted.

City Planner Ember Batelaan said the meeting will focus on how the community wants to handle local oversight of those businesses.

“That’s what we’ll be discussing at that meeting — is do people want to regulate bars as well as those with a sexual nature, or do they not want to regulate the bars? They’re still going to need licensure through the state either way, but this is at a local level. How do we want to regulate them?” Batelaan said.

Batelaan said no regulations have been drafted yet, and that the city has only reviewed what other communities and the state require.

“We want to know what direction the community wants to go. We do not have regulations drafted. All we’ve looked at is what other communities are doing and what the state requires. But this is the point where the community can input their feedback — what do they want to see in Hastings. Because every community is going to be slightly different and we want to make sure that these regulations are tailored to Hastings,” Batelaan said.

She also said adult establishments currently operating in Hastings will not be affected by any zoning changes. Future businesses, however, could be subject to new regulations.

The public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, at 5 p.m. at the Hastings Public Library.

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