The Auburn City Council will be voting on short-term rental regulations at its next meeting, changing what zones are allowed to have homestays and short-term non-primary rentals.
What is a homestay?
Homestays are rental properties that are also the homeowner’s primary residence. Under the proposed ordinance, the homeowner must live at the homestay for at least 180 consecutive days each year. The homestay cannot be rented out for more than 90 consecutive days without the owner present.
What is a short-term non-primary rental?
Short-term non-primary rentals are investment properties that are not the owner’s primary residence. Under the proposed ordinance, rentals must be less than 30 days at a time and the property cannot be rented out for more than 240 days per calendar year.
What will change if the new ordinance passes?
The ordinance being considered will allow homestays in all residential zones. Short-term non-primary rentals will be allowed in all zones that allow five unrelated occupants per household and in the Rural zone. It also restricts the use of rental properties to only lodging and eating, banning events such as weddings and parties.
What is the difference between the original and the amended ordinances?
The ordinance was amended to allow homestays in the Limited Development District, Neighborhood Conservation District, Development District Housing and Large Lot Residential District at the Council’s previous meeting. The amendment also reduced the number of complaints required to revoke a home occupation license from three to two.
What happens if a homeowner loses their home occupation license?
Any homeowner who receives two complaints or does not comply with regulations will lose their home occupation license. This will keep the house from being rented for the remainder of the year and the next year.
Why are rentals being discussed now?
Short-term rental regulations have not been updated since December 1999. In 2018, Mayor Ron Anders formed a Task Force to update short-term rental regulations and gather feedback from residents.
When is the vote and how can I voice my opinion?
The Council will vote on the amended ordinance during their March 16 meeting, which will also have a public hearing over Zoom. Registration to join the Zoom meeting and speak to the Council is available on the City’s website.
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Charlie Ramo, junior in aerospace engineering, is the content editor of The Auburn Plainsman.
