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Residents press Indian Rocks Beach commission on short-term rental enforcement after alleged violations
Summary
Multiple residents in public comment said a recently sold, renovated house is operating in violation of the city's short-term rental rules (advertised occupancy up to 18); they said repeated emails to the city received limited response and urged stronger enforcement and tracking of STR ownership changes.
Several residents used the public-comment period to urge more active enforcement of Indian Rocks Beach's short-term rental ordinance.
Tom McMullen described a nearby house he said has been a short-term rental since 2021, was sold for roughly $3.4 million this spring and, he said, immediately resumed rentals while renovations continued. He told the commission the property is advertised for 18 guests on multiple booking platforms despite the city's ordinance capping occupancy at 10 for that property type. "We sent the city 3 emails... and as of today, it's still being advertised to accommodate 18 people," he said.
Other commenters reported trespass, noise, parties and safety incidents tied to short-term rentals and said neighborhood quality of life is being eroded. Residents asked whether the city tracks STR sales to identify properties that should be subject to the two-year grace or occupancy limit rules.
City response: a manager-level staffer said the city's code enforcement located one permit (for window replacement) and that staff had contacted owners and management companies in some cases. The city did not announce enforcement outcomes at the meeting; commissioners encouraged continued reporting and said staff would follow up.
What's next: residents asked for clearer communications on enforcement steps and better tracking of transfers of ownership of STR properties. The commission did not take formal enforcement action during the meeting; the public-comment record may prompt staff follow-up and code-enforcement review.
