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Hampton attorney authorized to draft short-term rentals ordinance after residents raise concerns
Summary
After residents urged proactive rules, Hampton Township Committee directed the township attorney to draft an ordinance to regulate short-term rentals (commonly defined as 28 days or less), focusing on registration, posting and enforceability.
Hampton Township Committee unanimously authorized Township Attorney F. McGovern to draft an ordinance to regulate short-term rentals following public comment and committee discussion.
Residents from Kemah Lake presented a letter and sample ordinance and said the goal was accountability and neighborhood protection rather than prohibiting property owners from renting. Attorney McGovern explained the 2020 resolution that previously prohibited short-term rentals during the public-health emergency was based on emergency authority, was not an ordinance, and is no longer applicable; he recommended a draft ordinance that could include registration requirements, posted rental information, and defined enforcement responsibilities (code enforcement or zoning officer).
The Committee discussed enforcement options, potential Uniform Fire Code inspection requirements when occupancy changes, and homeowner-association participation in identifying rentals. The Committee did not adopt a regulation at the meeting but unanimously approved drafting an ordinance for future consideration.
