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Bel Air leaders open months-long review of short‑term rental rules, propose licensing and limits
Summary
Commissioners began a multi-month effort to draft short‑term rental rules that would allow licensed rentals in commercial districts while limiting or requiring owner‑occupation in residential zones. Staff will seek input from the Planning Commission, ECDC and the public before drafting ordinance language.
Bel Air commissioners opened a broad discussion on short‑term rentals Wednesday, signaling a preference to allow regulated rentals in commercial zones while limiting their use in single‑family residential neighborhoods.
Commissioner Rutledge said he favors allowing owner‑occupied short‑term rentals in residential districts but would limit whole‑house absentee rentals there. “My idea is that if you have the homeowner on‑site in a residential zone … that to me seems to be reasonable,” Rutledge said. He proposed tightening the definition of a short‑term rental from 30 days to 28 days and making licensing and inspections part of the…
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