Paragonah commission sends short‑term rental ordinance to town board after public hearing

The Paragonah Town Planning Commission on Jan. 28 voted to present a draft short‑term rental ordinance to the town board after a public hearing and edits by commissioners.

Speaker 3, the presiding officer, said the ordinance defines a short‑term rental as temporary lodging inside an existing single‑family dwelling for fewer than 30 days and distinguishes those from long‑term rentals of 31 days or more. The draft requires a town conditional‑use permit and a separate STR application, limits units to no more than five guest rooms and 10 guests, and requires operators to carry liability insurance.

The ordinance would also require a safety inspection every two years — conducted by the fire department — and an annual business license. ‘‘Every two years you will get a safety check at your place…that’s to meet all the safety and fire health and safety standards,’’ Speaker 3 said.

Operational rules in the draft include a designated on‑site or local manager who must be able to respond within 35 miles, off‑street parking only, restrictions on motor homes and trailers, one non‑digital sign with directed lighting, and guest conduct rules to limit late‑night parties. The draft sets a three‑step enforcement process: investigation and written notices after complaints, and, upon a third complaint, a required appearance before the planning commission that could lead to revocation of a conditional‑use permit. Appeals would go to the town board and, if necessary, to court.

Commissioners struck a proposed limit that would have prohibited any owner from holding more than one STR in town after members said such a restriction would be hard to defend legally. Instead, they discussed alternatives including proximity review (e.g., properties within a 400‑foot radius subject to review) and relying on application procedures to address congestion and community character.

Public commenters raised concerns about investor purchases and neighborhood impacts; commissioners acknowledged limited local authority to prevent investors from buying multiple properties. After discussion and agreed edits, Speaker 5 moved to forward the revised ordinance to the town board for consideration at its February meeting; Speaker 4 seconded and the motion carried.

Next steps: staff will incorporate the agreed changes, clarify appeal language to reference the Planning Commission and Town Board consistently, and prepare the ordinance packet for the town board. The Planning Commission will return the finalized recommendation and supporting materials to the town board for formal action.