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STR administrator to draft Town Plan language after VLCT-model discussion
Summary
At a June 29 Planning Commission special meeting, STR Administrator Andy Dahlstrom recommended using VLCT model language framing short-term rentals as a “transient commercial use of residential property” and agreed to draft wording for the Town Plan to address local impacts such as housing loss and nuisance activity.
Andy Dahlstrom, the town’s short-term rental (STR) administrator, told the Londonderry Planning Commission on June 29 that the VLCT model STR ordinance frames STRs as a “transient commercial use of residential property.” He said treating STRs as commercial could help differentiate commercially run rentals from second homes and make policy responses clearer.
Dahlstrom warned of local impacts tied to commercial STR operations, including loss of housing stock and reduced civic volunteerism when units are absentee-owned and operated like businesses. He cited the local ‘Magic Circle’ area as an example where he said high volume, traffic and noise have had a negative impact on neighbors. “It is essentially a business,” Dahlstrom said, arguing that that distinction matters for local planning.
After discussion, Dahlstrom agreed to draft proposed Town Plan wording on STRs for the commission to review. The commission had previously voted to let him speak early on the agenda so the group could consider incorporating model language into upcoming by-law and plan updates. The commission did not take a formal regulatory vote at the meeting; next steps are review of Dahlstrom’s draft at a future meeting.
