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Council advances first readings to modernize B&B inspections and increase fines for code and short‑term rental violations
Summary
On first reading June 1, the City Council approved ordinance amendments to move bed‑and‑breakfast inspections to a three‑year rotation, increase short‑term rental fines (first/second/third violations in 36 months), and update the overall fines schedule; all items passed first reading and will return for formal second readings.
At the June 1 meeting the council advanced several ordinance changes on first reading aimed at aligning inspection cycles and updating municipal fines.
Chief Nicole Hudson, director of public safety, presented a request to change bed‑and‑breakfast licensing and inspections from annual renewals to a three‑year rotation to match the short‑term rental schedule; she said the change is administrative, fees will not change, and the city currently operates three B&Bs. The council approved the first reading and will consider the formal ordinance at a future meeting.
Chief Hudson also presented proposed increases to short‑term rental fines, noting the current penalties had not been updated since 2009 and were no longer an effective deterrent. Under the proposed schedule (first reading passed), fines in a 36‑month period would increase substantially (examples discussed in staff remarks included increases to $1,500 for a first violation and up to $2,500 for repeat violations), and the city attorney reviewed the proposal for legal compliance ahead of the second reading.
In addition, staff proposed a broader update to the city fines schedule in Chapter 2 to reflect inflation and enforcement costs and to align with comparable municipalities. Council approved the first reading to move the proposed chart into ordinance language at the second reading.
All three items passed by recorded vote (unanimous among those voting) at first reading; staff will return with formal ordinance language for a second reading and final adoption.
