HomeMy WebLinkAboutSTR Regulations Considerations Worksheet.pdfJune 25, 2024
Page 1 of 2
Short-Term Rental Regulations Considerations Worksheet
1. Definition and Scope:
● Clearly define what constitutes a short-term rental and consider additional definitions:
○ Year-round rental, Seasonal rental, Primary residence, Dwelling unit
○ What about unconventional dwellings used as STRs in other places (i.e., campers, yurts,
tents, etc.)
○ Do boardinghouses, tourist camps, or B&Bs need consideration in how they relate to
these definitions?
○ Can an STR take place in an ADU if associated with a primary residence?
■ What about a seasonal rental option for ADU to address summer workforce
needs?
● Include language indicating that the permit is a privilege, not a right, that can be revoked at any
point for non-compliance with the requirements set forth in the legislation.
2. Registration and Licensing:
● Require all existing short-term rental operators to register their properties in accordance with
new regulation.
● Implement a licensing system
○ Should this be through existing rental permit process?
● Determine appropriate fee based on associated costs for administration, code enforcement, and
monitoring software.
○ Consider a range of fees (depending on the size of the STR)
● Require site plan of property including floor plans, parking, and amenities.
● Require a contact person or entity that is accessible 24/7 to deal with on-site issues, and able to
physically respond within a specific time frame or distance (e.g., 30 minutes, 20 miles, etc.).
● Require enrollment with Suffolk County for hotel tax
3. Safety and Building Standards:
● Life Safety Inspection (prior to permitting)
○ Examples: STR-Inspection-Checklist (fbgtx.org), Self-Certification (clear-creek.co.us)
● Mandate adherence to safety and building standards to ensure the protection of guests and
neighboring properties.
● Set occupancy limits to discourage large-scale short-term rental operations
● Environmental and Sustainability measures - trash, recycling, water, septic, etc.
● Require evidence of a legal water supply and sewage disposal method
● A photo of the front of the STR property – street facing view, with address numbers of the house
visible if possible.
● Fire considerations – prohibit outdoor fires?
● Clarify/specify the location for a rental permit to be displayed
June 25, 2024
Page 2 of 2
4. Quality of Life Measures:
● Implement measures to ensure that short-term rentals do not disrupt the quality of life for
permanent residents, including enforcement of property maintenance standards.
● Enforce noise ordinances and regulations to prevent disturbances caused by short-term rentals,
especially during late hours.
● Address exterior lighting, waste management plan, and water/septic impacts
● Provide a “Good Neighbor Guidebook” and require signage in the STR units.
○ Examples: Good-Visitor-Guide (charlevoixmi.gov), Good Neighbor Leaflet.pdf
(revize.com),
● Inform adjacent property owners and provide contact details for addressing any issues.
● Promote long-term rental options and homeownership as viable alternatives to short-term
rentals.
5. Enforcement and Compliance:
● Establish a renewal period
● Designate a dedicated regulatory authority responsible for enforcing STR regulations and
conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance.
● Implement penalties for non-compliance with regulations, including fines, license revocation, or
legal action if necessary.
6. Resources
• What staffing considerations are necessary to ensure success?
o Building (registration/licensing/inspections)
o Fire Marshal (safety)
o Planning (review of parking, lighting, waste, water, septic?)
o Code Enforcement
• What other resources are necessary?
o Software
o Hardware – ie. Tablets, computers, etc.
o Community Outreach
7. Other
• Add to the Town website all the rules about rentals, including short-term rentals, so people can
find out what the rules are now.
• Add Chapter 280 rules for short-term rentals to the rental permit application and affidavit
• Is there data we need to better inform decisions? Can this be gathered later?
o Data: # of STRs, # of year-round rentals, # of seasonal rentals, # of hotels, # of B&Bs, #
of campgrounds/boardinghouses/etc.