Northmoor board adopts ordinance banning short-term rentals, grandfathering existing B&B

The City of Northmoor Board of Aldermen unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025-002 (Chapter 515) on March 4, 2025, prohibiting short-term rentals within city limits while expressly grandfathering an established bed-and-breakfast whose owners were present at the meeting.

Mayor Lynda Wilson presided over the second reading and adoption following a first reading at the same meeting. The ordinance passed on a 3–0 vote after Alderman Joe Harris moved and Alderman Robin Griffith seconded the readings that carried in both votes.

The owners of the existing B&B, who did not give their names in the minutes, told the board they had increased their nightly rate to $350 with a three-night minimum and installed five security cameras on the property. The board agreed those conditions supported the decision to exempt the existing B&B from the new prohibition.

City staff identified the ordinance as Chapter 515, “Short Term Rental Prohibited,” in the meeting packet. The ordinance applies citywide; the minutes record the board’s motion and the roll-call approvals but do not list a separate enforcement schedule or fines in the meeting text.

Riverside Fire Department Chief Gordon Fowlston did not provide a monthly report at the meeting. City staff continue to send code-violation letters to residents, according to Mayor Wilson’s comments during the session.

The ordinance takes effect according to the city’s standard adoption procedure; the minutes do not specify an effective date beyond adoption. The board adjourned after the ordinance vote. The city clerk’s signed minutes will serve as the official record for the adoption.

Next steps: the city clerk and city attorney will finalize the ordinance record and any implementing guidance for code enforcement and short-term rental compliance.