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South Kingstown council directs staff to study state law after resident raises 8‑bedroom short‑term rental concerns
Summary
After a resident flagged a local house advertised for 16 people despite only five legal bedrooms, the council voted to have planning staff and legal counsel draft ordinance amendments to align town rules with newly effective state law (H.7382) and address enforcement challenges.
The South Kingstown Town Council voted to direct planning staff and the town solicitor to draft zoning ordinance amendments after residents and council members raised enforcement and safety concerns about short‑term rentals and the impact of recently enacted state land‑use legislation.
Resident Lise Torello told the council a property next door is being advertised as an eight‑bedroom short‑term rental for “16 plus people,” even though “it only has 5 legal bedrooms” because upstairs rooms lack egress windows and other safety features. Torello asked whether the town’s existing ordinance and enforcement processes remain effective under the new law.
Amy, the town solicitor, said the law enacted June 24 (referenced at the meeting as House Bill H.7382 Sub A) now sets both a per‑bedroom floor and a five‑person ceiling: “The maximum number may be set by local ordinance but this maximum shall not be less than 1 person per bedroom and shall not exceed 5 unrelated persons per dwelling,” she said. Amy advised staff will work with planning to prepare the necessary ordinance and regulation amendments and recommended the planning board study them for a fall public hearing.
Building and code staff said they had previously issued a notice of violation for the property, that the owner installed a well and submitted building permits and fire marshal reviews to legalize three additional upstairs rooms, and that the property’s septic has been designed for eight bedrooms. Jamie Gormer, called to speak as building staff, said the owner has applied for legalization of the additional bedrooms and that staff is processing those applications.
Council members and staff acknowledged enforcement challenges for transient short‑term rentals, particularly proving the number and relationship of occupants on a short visit. Staff urged neighbors to document disturbances and call police so complaints can be logged and, if necessary, used in subsequent housing or municipal court actions.
The council agreed to the motion to direct staff and legal counsel to draft amendments; the motion passed by voice vote. The solicitor said the amendments would likely be ready in the fall with a public hearing to follow.
Votes at a glance: council voted to direct planning staff and legal counsel to draft zoning amendments addressing recently enacted land‑use laws; the council accepted the resignation of Kevin Pellis from the Zoning Board of Review; the council approved multiple appointments and reappointments (see below).
