Harris supervisors authorize public hearings on draft short‑term rental rules after hours of debate

After extended public comment and debate, the Harris Township Board of Supervisors voted Oct. 13 to send three draft short‑term rental (STR) ordinances to public hearing next month.

Staff summarized three related drafts: a licensing and regulation ordinance that would require all STRs to obtain a township license (licenses nontransferable and valid for a single calendar year, with revocation limited to the remainder of the license cycle and up to 13 months); a zoning amendment to define and permit short‑term rentals and identify districts where they are allowed; and a property maintenance amendment requiring a rental housing permit from Center Region Code Administration for any rental period of one day or longer.

Key provisions in the draft include a 120‑day annual limit on short‑term rentals, parking requirements (one off‑street space per bedroom, improved to a mud‑free standard), prohibition of RVs/tents as occupiable units, and rules for advertisement to include license number, maximum occupancy and available parking. Staff told the board a revised version would clarify how long license revocations would last.

Public comment stretched over more than an hour. Owners and prospective owners said they relied on STR income to maintain properties and pay rising operating costs; one speaker said, "I acquired a property in Harris Township 4 years ago with the understanding that I could short term rent the property as a source of income." Neighbors and other speakers argued the ordinance is needed to protect residential neighborhood character. Special counsel said the township intends to allow existing non‑owner‑occupied STRs to continue under current ownership as a nonconforming use but not as a right that runs with the land.

Board members discussed grandfathering language, enforcement practicality—particularly for parking on public streets—and whether the draft zoning should allow STRs in single‑family residential (R‑1) districts. The planning commission had recommended against permitting STRs in R‑1; several supervisors signaled they intended to include single‑family districts in the draft amendment being sent for review.

Following discussion the board voted to advertise the three draft ordinances for public hearings in November; staff said the hearings and any final adoption could occur next month. If adopted, property owners operating STRs would need to apply for township licensing and a rental housing permit from the Center Region Code Administration.