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Residents tell council additional short-term rental rules would harm local small investors
Summary
Two Orem residents urged the council not to tighten short-term rental regulations, saying the limited number of active rentals supports local businesses and homeownership options; council members said they are watching state conversations about guardrails.
Two residents addressed the City Council during public comment to oppose tighter short-term rental (STR) regulation.
Derek Phelps described investing in and operating a short-term rental on Center Street and said the project enabled local economic activity: he cited more than $100,000 spent on local construction, landscaping and furnishings, ongoing local cleaning services and guest referrals to shops and event venues. Phelps said there are only about 200 active full-time STRs in Oremroughly just over 0.5% of housing unitsand argued that STRs are not a driver of housing shortages in the city.
Jackson Rollins, who operates an owner-operated Airbnb on Main Street, said most guests visit family or college students and leave positive reviews; he said the listing has brought business to local shops and hospitals.
Both speakers urged the council to avoid additional regulation that would curtail those local economic benefits. Council members said they had the topic on the citys areas-of-focus list and that state-level discussions are also underway; one council member said staff would share more information and talking points as legislation is drafted.
