City adjusts short term rental regulations in response to UDC adoption

The City of Mobile Board of Adjustment meeting on May 5, 2025, focused on the ongoing discussions surrounding short-term rental regulations and their implications for property owners. A significant point raised during the meeting was the transition to short-term rental models, particularly through platforms like Airbnb, which began in 2018.

One speaker highlighted that when the city adopted this model, there were no clear guidelines regarding the duration of rentals. This lack of regulation led many property owners to operate under the assumption that they could rent their properties without needing to seek city approval for shorter rental periods. The speaker noted that the city did not begin to regulate short-term rentals until later, after an ad hoc committee had studied the issue for several years.

The committee's efforts culminated in the adoption of the Unified Development Code (UDC) in 2023, which included various zoning changes related to short-term rentals. The speaker expressed support for regulated short-term rentals but emphasized the need to acknowledge the existing conditions in the city, such as the prevalence of neon signs, which may not comply with new regulations.

A key legal aspect discussed was the concept of legal nonconformity, which allows property owners to continue using structures or practices that may now violate current codes due to changes in regulations. This provision is included in the UDC and recognizes the vested rights of property owners.

Additionally, the speaker raised concerns about the interpretation of accessory structures, suggesting that the current understanding may not align with the definitions established in the 2018 code. This point indicates a potential area for further clarification as the city continues to navigate the complexities of short-term rental regulations.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges and discussions surrounding short-term rentals in Mobile, highlighting the need for clear guidelines that balance property rights with community standards. As the city moves forward, these discussions will likely shape the future of short-term rental policies and their enforcement.