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Some commissioners worry short-term rental rules could burden homeowners and affordable housing
Summary
Commissioner Chris White and others cautioned that regulating short-term rentals could impede homeowners who supplement income by renting and might not address enforcement gaps; commissioners debated targeting commercialized rental operators rather than incidental hosts.
At the May 13 meeting Commissioner Chris White warned that a strict short-term rental ordinance could restrict homeowner options and argued the Town should have a "compelling reason" to regulate private in-home activity. White said Avon "is not a vacation spot" and that occasional instances of relatives or pet-sitters living in a home while an owner is away are indistinguishable from short-term tenants unless an exchange of funds is evident.
White and Commissioner Jamie DiPace raised affordability concerns, suggesting the rules could make it harder for owners who rely on rental income to meet mortgage or tax obligations. Supporters acknowledged that consequence but emphasized a distinction between occasional, incidental rentals and commercial enterprises that repeatedly rent to different guests. Peter Mahoney framed the primary focus as combating "commercialization" of residential properties—purchases made solely to operate short-term rental businesses.
Commissioners did not resolve legal limits on regulating private household behavior; staff was directed to draft clearer language that targets frequent commercial operators while accounting for incidental, long-term and approved accessory dwelling uses.
