Planning director outlines draft short-term rental rules, transient guest tax steps after Sept. 6 meeting

Kenny Cook, Miami County planning director, briefed the board Sept. 10 on the Planning Commission's Sept. 6 meeting, reporting a mix of routine land-use items and a new policy discussion on short-term rentals.

Cook said the commission recommended approval of a three-lot subdivision after an issue with a rural water district valve was resolved and expected final plats to follow. He also said the Planning Commission continued an application to extend a conditional use permit for an existing cell tower so notice and permitting details could be corrected.

The primary substance of the Sept. 6 meeting, Cook said, was the Planning Commission's initial review of draft regulations for short-term rentals. "We did put together some, sort of draft regulations for short term rentals," Cook said. Staff described options including an initial structure inspection at application, periodic inspections every several years focused on life-safety items (smoke detectors, bedroom ingress/egress, wastewater), or a less intensive compliance route using an owner affidavit certifying basic safety measures.

Cook said some Planning Commission members were concerned that short-term rentals could "have more of a negative impact on the rural character of the community" and that others were more open to regulation because some rentals already operate without clear compliance. The Planning Commission did not set a public hearing and instead asked staff to refine wording and consult county attorneys about liability implications for inspections.

On tax policy, Cook briefed commissioners on a draft charter resolution to create a county transient guest tax. He said the charter resolution has been reviewed by the county counselor and that an implementation date (options discussed included Oct. 1, Jan. 1, or April 1) would need to be selected; Cook said, "I think April 1, if we're looking at it from the World Cup standpoint, would likely be our drop dead in that part of it." Cook noted some cities in the county already assess a transient tax and that the county's version would be additive unless otherwise restricted.

Cook also gave an update on the county comprehensive plan and said he expects a draft of the updated plan and related documents to be ready for review before the end of the year, with a goal of scheduling public hearings and adoption before year end.

The Planning Commission will continue discussion of short-term rental language and is expected to schedule a public hearing after staff revisions and legal review; commissioners asked staff to return with refined language and implementation details for possible action or further discussion at a future meeting.