After public input, District 14 City Council member Jim Love substituted his proposed city ordinance regulating short-term vacation rentals.
Love dropped the most controversial requirements from Ordinance 2019-238, which he introduced April 9.
The bill no longer requires that the owner or agent live on the property during the rental period for properties in zoning districts that permit residential use.
He also dropped the limit on the number of bedrooms for rent and the requirement of on-site parking for guests.
The bill still requires that:
• The owner must obtain a certificate of use, which includes registration, for each short-term rental property. The application will require a site plan showing the property structures, off-street parking reserved for guests and trash receptacles. It also will show the short-term rental rules of conduct, number of rooms for rent, proof of liability insurance, evidence of the city’s fire prevention inspection and other notification requirements. Certificates of Use will be required to be renewed every five years.
• A point of contact will be made available by phone or text around-the-clock and that information must be posted at the property.
• Bedroom occupancy is limited to two adults per bedroom. There is no limit for children under the age of 16.
• Only structures built for residential use can be used for short-term rentals. Use of recreational vehicles and nonpermanent housing is not permitted.
• Exteriors cannot be modified from the residential character by signage, lighting, color or materials.
• Short-term rental operations shall not create a nuisance to the area and neighboring properties.
• Recorded covenants, easements or restrictions which are more restrictive shall take precedence.
• Properties must be maintained in good condition and remain safe.
• Rentals cannot be used for events or commercial purposes such as weddings and parties.
• The property owner is responsible for all taxes, fees and other charges connected with the operation.
Love said the most important aspect of the substitute bill is the registration of the short-term rental owners. He said that when there are problems, registration “allows us to see who is in charge. I am not going to burden police to track down owners.”
He said the bill does not ask for anything different than what a hotel or other business has to do.
The bill is scheduled to be heard by the city Planning Commission at 1 p.m. Thursday. If the commission recommends approval, it will be sent to the council Land Use and Zoning Committee June 18 and full council June 25.
Love is term-limited and leaves office June 30.