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Verona council approves two short-term rental licenses amid debate over seven-night rule
Summary
After public pleas from local hosts, the Verona Common Council approved two short-term rental licenses June 22 but did not waive the citys seven-night zoning requirement; staff said the rule is part of the zoning code and recommended pursuing ordinance changes and enforcement guidance by July.
Barbara Nelson, who identified herself as the owner and resident host of a short-term rental at 415 S. Main St., told the Verona Common Council on June 22 that a proposed seven-night minimum stay would eliminate most of her bookings and cut "at least 66%" of her income. "I live in the home that I rent," Nelson said, presenting a 12-neighbor survey she had shared with council members and asking that her listing be grandfathered.
Robin Johnson, owner of R and L Dane Investments (5 27 and 5 29 Melody Lane), made a similar plea, saying she converted long-term units to short-term rentals two years ago and has had no noise complaints; she described stays of three to four nights for medical visits and UW treatments and said short stays bring tourists and tax revenue to local businesses.
Staff told the council the seven-night minimum is not part of the license form the city controls but is a zoning requirement adopted in May 2021 and therefore cannot be waived as part of a licensing decision. "Without amending the zoning ordinance, you would not be able to waive that requirement," Mr. Severson told the council. Council members acknowledged that enforcement has been limited so far and that many operators are seeking clarity.
Despite the debate, the council voted to approve two short-term rental licenses at the meeting: Bait Braca LLC (415 S. Main St.) and R and L Dane Investments (527 and 529 Melody Lane). Councilors said they want staff and the city attorney to draft clear enforcement options, consider a possible two-tier licensing approach or an appealable pathway for well-managed local hosts, and return with recommendations in July.
Mayor Luke Diaz and several council members emphasized a desire to support residents who operate responsible, owner-occupied rentals while ensuring tools exist to address problem properties. "We don't want to punish people who are doing the right thing," the mayor said, and multiple members urged staff to explore options such as response-time requirements for a local representative and graduated licensing tied to complaint history.
Next steps: staff will consult the city attorney about enforcement discretion and whether the council can suspend enforcement temporarily; councilors instructed staff to return with possible ordinance changes and enforcement mechanisms at a future meeting (the council discussed acting at the first July meeting). The licenses approved at this meeting were granted by voice vote and the council indicated it would exercise discretion on enforcement while it reviews potential changes.
