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Commissioners raise short-term rental and blight enforcement concerns; staff say changes would require Board direction
Summary
Commissioner Randy Duncan urged the township to consider regulating Airbnb and conducting property inspections to address blight and lost revenue; staff said enforcement is complaint-based and formal changes would require Board direction and resources.
During Other Pertinent Business on June 6, 2024, Commissioner Randy Duncan expressed concern about short-term rentals (for example, Airbnb) in Silver Spring Township, citing lost tax revenue, safety concerns and gaps in regulations.
Community Development Director Chris Guarino said the township’s EPD recommendation was not to place short-term rentals into a specific zoning district, which would otherwise make the use a "use not provided for." Guarino said defining short-term rentals as a distinct, regulated use would likely bring a range of requirements — including compliance with the Fire Code, any applicable rental code, maintenance code and the staff capacity to inspect and enforce such rules — and that those changes would require direction from the Board of Supervisors.
Lead Land Specialist Scott Maldonado reiterated that the township currently handles violations on a complaint-driven basis and does not proactively patrol or search for violations online. Commissioner Duncan suggested considering interior and exterior inspections of properties upon sale or refinance to ensure taxes are paid on improvements and to identify unauthorized changes; staff noted that such a program would be resource intensive and would need Board authorization.
No ordinance, resolution, or enforcement policy change was adopted at the meeting. Staff and commissioners treated the exchange as a policy discussion and a referral for possible future Board consideration.
