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Habitat for Humanity backs short-term rental ordinance; council schedules final vote in two weeks
Summary
Michelle Woods of Habitat for Humanity told the county council Bill 5490—an ordinance to inventory and regulate short-term rentals—could help limit housing stock repurposed for short-term stays; the bill was introduced and set for final passage in two weeks.
Michelle Woods, representing Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County, spoke during public comment in support of Bill 5490, an ordinance to enact Section 660 of the county code addressing short-term rentals.
Woods told the council that short-term rentals can remove residential housing from the long-term market, contributing to higher rents and reduced availability for starter homes. She said the ordinance would give the county a clearer picture of how many short-term rentals exist and recommended considering geographic or percentage limits—citing an approach adopted by the City of St. Charles as an example.
At the meeting the council introduced Bill 5490 (requested by Patty York and Tim Baker) and indicated final passage is scheduled for the meeting in two weeks. No formal amendments or votes were taken tonight.
What it would do: The ordinance is intended to create a county-level regulatory framework and inventory for short-term rentals so county officials can better understand their prevalence and geographic concentration. Woods suggested limiting rentals to certain districts or capping them as a percentage of housing stock.
Next steps: Bill 5490 will return for final passage at the next council meeting; staff and sponsors may provide details and proposed language between now and the final vote.
