HomeMy WebLinkAbout2 DRAFT Review of Decisions - Streamlined.pdfJuly 23, 2024
Short-Term Rental Committee Considerations
Purpose / Guiding Principles:
• Maintain housing stock for year-round attainable homes (rental and ownership)
• Maintain quality of life for local residents.
• Safeguard communities by ensuring that STRs do not threaten character of neighborhoods.
• Ensure that STR activities are not a nuisance, or threaten the public health, safety, or welfare
• Provide residents an opportunity to generate income.
• Preserve commercial property available for small businesses.
• Consider ways that STRs might intentionally bolster the tourism economy.
1. Definitions - Clarify terms and concepts used in STR regulations:
• Short-Term Rental (STR): A rental for 29 days or less.
• Exclusions: STRs do not include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, tourist camps, or
boardinghouses.
• Seasonal Rental:
o Tourism vs. Workforce Housing: Consider differentiating between “seasonal tourism” and
“seasonal workforce housing” for data collection and potential incentives.
• Other Definitions:
o Ensure definitions align with Town Code: Primary Residence, ADU (Accessory Apartment),
Rental Permit, Owner/Operator/Managing Agent.
o Address obsolete definitions.
o Consider the need for separate permitting for STR amenities like pools.
2. What Will Be Allowed - Outline permitted activities and requirements:
• Registration and Permits:
o All STRs must obtain a permit, which can be revoked for non-compliance.
o Types of Permits:
▪ Primary Residence STRs: Allowed with a permit.
▪ Non-Primary Residence STRs: Limited permits per hamlet, with considerations for
ADA accessibility and affordability.
o Permit Conditions:
▪ Inform adjacent property owners and provide contact details for issues.
▪ One permit per natural person and parcel.
▪ No subletting or house shares.
▪ Existing rentals must register under new regulations with a grace period.
3. Administration Considerations - Detail the administrative processes for STR management:
● Tax and Fees:
○ Require enrollment with Suffolk County for hotel tax.
○ Set appropriate fees based on administration and enforcement costs.
July 23, 2024
● Application and Renewal:
○ Establish an application process, including a yearly renewal and inspection.
○ Permits are non-transferable; new owners must register within 30 days of closing.
● Display Requirements:
○ Specify the location for permit display and inclusion of permit number in advertisements.
● Good Neighbor Guidebook:
○ Provide and enforce a guidebook with noise ordinances and other relevant regulations.
○ Examples: Good-Visitor-Guide (charlevoixmi.gov), Good Neighbor Leaflet.pdf (revize.com)
4. Safety Considerations - Ensure safety standards for STR operations:
• Compliance:
o Adherence to safety and building standards, including occupancy limits.
• Inspections:
o Mandate a Life Safety Inspection with a checklist and options for certified inspectors.
o Require site plans, parking, waste maintenance, and legal water/sewage.
o Enforce dark sky compliance and fire safety regulations.
• Managing Agent:
o Require a 24/7 accessible contact person or managing agent.
5. Enforcement and Compliance - Strategies for enforcement and ensuring adherence to STR regulations:
• Regulatory Authority:
o Designate a dedicated authority for enforcement and inspections.
• Guidance for Code Enforcement:
o Clear communication, responsiveness, documentation, and technology use.
• Violations and Penalties:
o Outline violations, suspensions, revocations, and fines for non -compliance.
6. Resources and Town-Wide Communications - Address resource needs and communication strategies:
• Staffing Needs:
o Determine additional personnel for registration, inspections, planning, and code
enforcement.
• Other Resources:
o Acquire software and hardware for management and tracking.
• Community Outreach:
o Promote long-term rental options and educate the public about STR regulations.
o Update the Town website with rental rules and conduct outreach programs.
7. Information - Is there data we need to better inform decisions?
• Data Needs:
o # of STRs, # of year-round rentals, # of seasonal rentals, # of hotels, # of B&Bs, # of
campgrounds/boardinghouses/etc.
• Local/Regional Approach:
o Continue to track what is happening at the State and County level.