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Habitat for Humanity urges support for short-term rental ordinance
Summary
Michelle Woods of Habitat for Humanity of Saint Charles County told the council she supports bill 5490 to help the county understand the number and location of short-term rentals and urged consideration of limits similar to nearby city rules.
Michelle Woods, representing Habitat for Humanity of Saint Charles County, spoke during public comment in favor of bill 5490, an ordinance relating to short-term rentals the council introduced on May 11.
"This ordinance will help the county provide a clear picture on how many short term rentals exist," Woods said, arguing that short-term rentals can convert residential properties to commercial use and that even modest reductions in housing supply can put pressure on rents and home prices. She urged the council to consider approaches like those used by the City of Saint Charles that limit the percentage of housing stock available to short-term rentals or restrict them to certain districts.
Woods told the council that housing advocates broadly support steps that create "starter homes with moderate" affordability and encouraged the county to collect data that can inform policy.
