DEADWOOD, S.D. – The Deadwood City Commission has unanimously denied a conditional use permit for a proposed vacation rental at 21 Charles Street, a property commonly known as the “Fountain House.”
According to city officials, property owners Jillian and Jesse Peterson originally purchased the home as a long-term rental. However, after city staff discovered it was being used as a short-term vacation rental, the owners were asked to apply for a permit to comply with city ordinances.
Planning and zoning officials determined the property sits about 193.5 feet from another approved short-term rental, falling short of the city’s required 200-foot separation distance.
Commissioner Sharon Martinisko said preserving Deadwood’s limited housing supply for long-term residents remains an important goal for the city. Commissioner Mark Speirs added that approving the permit despite the ordinance would set a precedent for future applications.
The commission voted unanimously to deny the request, meaning the property cannot legally operate as a vacation rental under current city regulations.
