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Commission discusses short‑term rentals and lake area impacts; planner suggests ordinance model
Summary
Commissioners raised concerns about the growing number of short‑term rentals on the lake and discussed options including an ordinance with registration, inspections and occupancy limits. Planner offered to share an Essex ordinance used as a model.
Commissioners discussed feedback from the local property owners association about an increase in short‑term rentals (Airbnbs) on the lake and the effects on neighborhood character, noise and lake access. One commissioner said community character may be shifting "from a community of neighbors to a community of short term rental people," prompting discussion about whether the town should regulate short‑term rentals.
The planner recommended using an ordinance (rather than a zoning regulation) to address short‑term rentals because an ordinance can avoid grandfathering existing uses and can include registration and inspection requirements. He offered to send a model ordinance used by the town of Essex, which includes registration, initial inspection by the building official and fire marshal, and compliance standards. Commissioners also discussed alternatives such as occupant caps, noise/performance standards, and targeted enforcement tools; staff recommended more research and consideration before drafting local language.
