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Committee discusses short-term rental licensing, staffing and fee questions; no final action
Summary
Richland County committee reviewed proposed short-term rental licensing language, debated fees and county capacity to process licenses, and heard from a prospective operator who is pursuing state licensing.
Members of the Richland County Zoning and Land Conservation Committee discussed proposed local licensing for short-term rentals and related zoning provisions, but took no final action.
Committee members reviewed proposed definitions and language that largely mirror state statutes; the draft defines a short-term rental as a tourist rooming house rented for 29 consecutive days or less. Committee members said the intent is not to overregulate short-term rentals but to ensure operators are licensed and "good neighbors."
Denise Ewing, who said she is pursuing state licensure for a short-term rental, asked whether she should delay local licensing. The committee chair replied the county has not enacted a final local ordinance yet and suggested applicants could proceed with state licensing now if they chose. "At this point, I'd say wait because we have not actually enacted this yet," the chair said, while also noting applicants do not have to delay operations if they wish to pursue state licensure immediately.
Members debated fee levels. Committee discussion referenced several possible fee figures, including $1,200, $500, $200 every other year, and smaller amounts around $50; no fee was adopted at the meeting. Committee members also raised concerns about county staffing and the ability to process applications and verify conditions such as outstanding taxes or code fines. One committee member said an agent arrangement with the state, used by other counties, could speed inspections and reduce state backlog for inspectors.
Committee members also noted the county has about 30 state-licensed short-term rental units so far and emphasized tourism benefits and the need to balance regulation and competitiveness with neighboring counties. The committee said it expects to continue refining the draft and to coordinate with county treasurer and zoning staff on verification procedures and enforcement capacity.
No motion to adopt fees or licensing requirements was made at the meeting; staff were asked to continue drafting and to bring the item back for later committee review.
