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Woodstock board discusses short‑term rental registration, safety checks and fee timing
Summary
Select Board members reviewed a proposed short‑term rental ordinance focused on registration, inspection checklists, egress documentation and alignment with the town tax cycle; board asked staff to refine application materials, clarify prorating for mid‑year rentals and return with revised language before adoption.
Board members spent substantial time on a draft short‑term rental (STR) ordinance that would require registration, a fee and a checklist of safety items for units used as short‑term rentals.Officials discussed aligning the permit year with the town tax cycle (April 1–March 31) and proposed that registration be required by April 1, 2027 for existing units; members raised the problem of units that come into rental use mid‑year and asked whether fees should be prorated.Questions from members and the public focused on fire and egress requirements for multi‑story houses used as STRs: whether exit signage or posted exit maps would be required, and how inspectors would document escape routes for second‑floor units. Fire officials said units with sprinklers or alarm systems would be asked to provide access and documentation, and that an inspection checklist should be included in the application packet.Members agreed more drafting was needed (including a clear statement on new STRs and prorating) and asked staff to prepare a refined application and checklist for a future meeting rather than advancing immediate adoption.
