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Somerset commissioners weigh short‑term rental rules; staff to refine business‑license approach
Summary
After reviewing other towns’ approaches, the commission signaled support for requiring business licenses for Airbnb/VRBO operators, discussed lodging taxes and enforcement, and asked staff to refine options rather than adopting an ordinance immediately.
The Somerset City Commission discussed Sept. 5 whether to regulate short‑term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) and how to address local concerns about parking, noise and lodging taxes.
Staff presented examples from nearby municipalities that range from no regulation to outright bans; one model requires a local permit tied to state licensing, parking plans and local noise rules. Commissioners discussed a locally administered business license (the proposal referenced a $100 application fee and renewal structure) and whether the city could collect lodging taxes. Staff noted there are statutory nuances and that some state statutes may limit municipal authority in short‑term situations associated with special events.
Commissioners generally agreed that requiring a local business license and tying compliance to existing noise and parking ordinances would be a practical way to regulate operations while the city investigates how best to collect taxes and enforce standards. The commission asked staff to return with ordinance language and enforcement options; no ordinance was adopted at this meeting.
