An Ithaca homeowner who operates an owner-occupied short-term rental told the Common Council she found the city's current permitting and inspection process burdensome and inequitable.

Nicole Doria said she followed the rules, paid taxes and invested about $4,000 in required safety work to earn a five-year permit for her homeowner-occupied listing, but was told she must pay a $400 fee each January to renew even though the permit is valid for five years.

"The new process in place for home owner owner occupied Airbnb hosts is really horrendous," Doria said. "I put $4,000 worth of work into my home ... and I'm required to pay that $400 a year. It might not seem a lot to you all, but it's a tremendous amount to me." (Nicole Doria, homeowner and permit holder.)

Council response: Council members acknowledged similar complaints and asked staff to prepare a briefing and to gather community input early next year. Council President Shapiro said there had been a year-and-a-half of experience with the policy and that the council should study how it has played out.

What's next: Council members asked the administration to convene a review and reach out to affected hosts so potential changes (including potential fee adjustments or differential treatment for long-term rentals) could be considered in 2026.

Ending: Council said it will solicit additional written comment and scheduled a briefing with staff to discuss possible policy adjustments in the New Year.