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Smithfield planning board opens discussion on short-term rental ordinance; discussion tabled to March
Summary
Board members reviewed a draft zoning amendment to regulate short-term rentals after residents raised concerns about noise, inspections and impacts on neighborhoods. Council member Rachel Toppy said she intends to sponsor a separate proposal. The board agreed to continue consideration at a future meeting.
The Planning Board opened a preliminary discussion on a proposed zoning amendment to regulate short-term rentals and accepted public input; members agreed to continue the item for further work and comparison with a council-sponsored draft.
Board members said the ordinance aims to add objective standards for short-term rentals — for example occupancy limits, safety inspections, insurance requirements and a local registration/permit process — and to give the town a point of contact and enforcement pathway for complaints. The draft referred to registration, parking-by-bedroom ratios and annual inspections; participants compared approaches used by other Rhode Island towns, including Narragansett, which requires annual inspection and insurance certification.
Several residents and one council member urged caution. Concerns included pressure on shared-wall condominium units, impacts on neighborhood character and the town’s ability to enforce new rules without additional staff. Town Council member Rachel Toppy told the board she has been working on a separate ordinance draft and asked the board to consider her proposal alongside the version under discussion.
The board agreed to table further action on the short-term-rental amendment to a future meeting (March 20) so members can review other towns’ ordinances and the council member’s forthcoming submission.
