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Residents urge stricter short-term rental rules as Highland Park petition gets 442 signatures
Summary
Highland Park residents told Hamilton council they collected about 442 petition signatures opposing current short-term rental trends and urged restrictions on concentration, owner residency, and out-of-state ownership; city staff said revised regulations and a 12-month monitoring period are planned.
Greg Irwin of 451 Emerson Avenue, representing Highland Park residents, told council that neighborhood meetings and a petition produced roughly 442 signatures and that residents want the short-term rental (STR) package reconsidered or split by neighborhood. Irwin said residents worried a small number of STRs today could become dozens and urged measures such as limiting concentration on a block, sliding licensing fees for large commercial operators, and restrictions on out-of-state ownership.
"We turned the survey in on November 30th, 442 signatures," Irwin said, and described frustration that local concerns had not returned to council for further action after planning-commission consideration. He asked whether a subcommittee could explore options and urged council to consider owner-occupancy limits and licensing scales targeting large operators.
Council members and staff responded that the city is monitoring STR registrations and market conditions. A staff speaker recommended revising current regulations to ensure they are enforceable, followed by a 12-month monitoring period before further legislative action. The city also noted increased hotel capacity could affect STR market dynamics.
Vice Mayor Pullman and other councilors offered to work with residents and staff on drafting stronger restrictions where appropriate; no final legislative vote on new STR rules occurred at the meeting. Council asked staff to share timelines for a public hearing and to notify stakeholders when the ordinance reaches first-reading/public-hearing status.
The record shows residents raising concerns about neighborhood character, parking and housing availability; staff characterized the issue as divisive and recommended a measured approach: regulatory revision plus a monitoring period and hearings to gather additional input.
