HomeMy WebLinkAboutShort Term Rental Committee Agenda - 4.30.24.pdf
Short Term Rental Committee Meeting Agenda
Location: Town Hall Annex Board Room
Date: April 30, 2024
Time: 9:00am-10:30am
1. Approve minutes from April 10, 2024
2. Understand our current Town Code and relevant regulations
3. Overview of current Rental Permit process
4. Review of Code Enforcement activity and Justice Court resolutions
5. Reminder of future meeting dates:
a. Tuesday, May 28th @ 9:00am-10:30am
i. Review research and key findings (to be shared prior to meeting)
b. Tuesday, June 25th @ 9:00am-10:30am
c. July TBD - The current goal is to report to the Town Board in July, but additional
meetings may be needed to finalize the report.
6. Other business
Charge of the Short-Term Rental Ad Hoc Committee
In the current Town Code, Short-Term Rentals (STRs) lack clear definition. Chapter 280-4
defines "transient rentals" as dwelling units occupied by individuals other than the owner or
their family, with the owner receiving rent directly or indirectly for stays of less than 14 nights.
Such rentals are currently prohibited across Southold Town. However, rentals lasting 14 nights
or more are permissible with a rental permit as per Chapter 207. This committee is tasked
with comprehending these rental types and proposing solutions to the Town Board.
In recent years, there has been a notable rise in rental properties in Southold with durations
of less than 30 days. These shorter-term rentals often contribute to housing scarcity by
converting residential properties into transient accommodations. This reduces the availability
of long-term rental options for residents, driving up prices and limiting housing choices.
Additionally, the constant turnover of short-term guests can disrupt the sense of community
in neighborhoods, leading to noise disturbances, safety concerns, and a diminished quality of
life for permanent residents who may feel like they are living in a revolving door of strangers
rather than a stable community.
Conversely, there are potential benefits of STRs if they are effectively regulated. These
benefits include supporting homeowners who utilize STRs in their primary residences to
generate additional income and bolstering the local tourism industry. Improved rental
regulatory practices can ensure the safety and well-being of tourists using local rental
properties.
The committee will collect data and case studies from other areas facing similar challenges
and will present recommendations to the Town Board aimed at mitigating the adverse effects
of STRs. These recommendations will encompass proposals for policies, procedures,
amendments to existing codes, and their enforcement. Proposed amendments may cover
definitions, identifying permissible zoning districts, as well as specifying limits on the number
and locations of STRs if the Town Board chooses to pursue regulation.
The committee will convene regularly, with the schedule to be determined, to complete their
work and submit a report to the Town Board in the Summer of 2024.
Guiding Principles
o Maintain housing stock for year-round attainable homes (rental and ownership)
o Maintain quality of life for local residents.
o Safeguard communities by ensuring that STRs do not threaten character of residential
neighborhoods.
o Ensure that STR activities are not a nuisance, or threaten the public health, safety, or
welfare of neighboring properties.
o Provide residents an opportunity to generate income.
o Preserve commercial property available for small businesses.
o Consider ways that STRs might intentionally bolster the tourism economy.