The Ogden Valley Planning Commission held a worksession on June 6, 2023, focusing on the compliance of short-term rental properties in the area. The meeting began with a technical discussion regarding the presentation tools, which were not functioning as intended. Despite this setback, the commission proceeded with a brief presentation on the status of short-term rentals, utilizing data from Granicus, a platform that provides geospatial information.
The presentation highlighted that there are currently 515 identified short-term rental units in Ogden Valley, with 308 of these units marked as noncompliant with local regulations. The noncompliant properties were visually represented in red on the provided maps, while compliant properties were less visible due to their limited numbers. The data is continuously updated, allowing the commission to cross-check listings on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to ensure compliance.
Commission members discussed the fluid nature of the data, noting that the number of identified rentals can change as new listings appear or existing ones are removed. The commission expressed confidence in the accuracy of their data, estimating that they have identified approximately 85% of all short-term rentals in the area. However, they acknowledged that there remains a margin of error, with about 15% of potential rentals still unaccounted for.
Further inquiries were made regarding the connection between rental agencies and the compliance status of their listings. The commission indicated that while some properties may not have an online presence, those listed on major platforms are more easily tracked. They also mentioned the possibility of running reports to identify which agencies are associated with noncompliant units.
As the meeting progressed, Iris, a member of the commission, elaborated on the data collection process, explaining that information from various local offices contributes to their understanding of rental properties, including those that have not yet been developed. The commission emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance with local regulations.
In conclusion, the worksession underscored the commission's commitment to managing short-term rentals effectively, with plans to continue refining their data collection methods and compliance strategies. The next steps will involve further analysis of rental agency data and continued efforts to bring noncompliant properties into adherence with local codes.