Council approves strict new rules for short term rentals

In a recent council meeting, significant updates were made to the regulations governing short-term rentals in the city. Director Kat Blinski presented the changes following the council's approval of the first reading of the ordinance on September 16. Key amendments include the introduction of mandatory quiet hours in line with the city's noise ordinance, requirements for posting on-street parking regulations, and revised language regarding refuse can storage.

A notable addition is the implementation of a \"three strikes\" policy aimed at holding short-term rental operators accountable. Under this policy, licenses can be revoked for serious violations, such as providing fraudulent information on applications. However, such violations must be related to the occupancy of the property, with examples provided to clarify what constitutes a violation. For instance, noise complaints affecting neighbors would count, while unrelated domestic incidents would not.

Further discussions led to proposed amendments from Council Member Hennen, including grammatical corrections and a stipulation that properties with short-term rental licenses would be ineligible for annual parking permits. This proposal received support from other council members and was incorporated into the ordinance.

The council unanimously passed the updated ordinance, signaling a commitment to enhancing oversight of short-term rentals while addressing community concerns about noise and parking. The meeting also included a motion to consider the addition of a staff position, indicating ongoing efforts to bolster city resources in response to growing demands.