Clovis commission introduces ordinances to collect lodgers tax from short‑term rentals and to regulate short‑term rental permits; also introduces airport-alcool

City Attorney Mister Morris introduced a cluster of ordinances intended to update Clovis code for near-term policy questions. The first would amend city code to allow alcohol sales and consumption within commercially licensed, state-licensed premises at the Clovis Regional Airport, a change designed to align local code with the state Regulation and Licensing Division and to prepare for an expected RFP for terminal concessions.

Morris also presented two companion ordinances addressing short-term rentals. The first deletes language that had prohibited the city from imposing lodgers (occupancy) tax on short-term rentals and updates definitions to conform with state statute; once adopted, the lodgers-tax change would take effect immediately after adoption. The second ordinance would impose regulatory controls on short-term rentals; Morris offered two models: a permit option that grants approval if permit requirements are met, and a conditional-use option that requires neighbor notice within 200 feet and triggers hearings if a neighbor objects.

Commissioners raised questions about parity with hotels for stays longer than 29–30 days under the state’s temporary‑lodging definition and about how enforcement would work in practice. Morris said the draft mirrors state statute and that cities commonly adopt the same definitions, but he offered to research and refine language during the introduction period. Commissioners noted occupancy-limit language in the draft (overnight occupancy limited to twice the number of bedrooms, excluding children under 15) and some suggested removing that provision as overregulation.

The commission voted to introduce the airport alcohol ordinance, the lodgers-tax amendment and the short-term rental ordinance option(s) for further consideration; adoption and any substantive changes will return at a future meeting.