Avon planning commission signals support for short-term rental ordinance in 7-2 straw poll

The Avon Planning & Zoning Commission on May 13 discussed a draft short-term rental ordinance and recorded an informal 7–2 split in favor of moving forward. Hiram Peck, director of planning and community development, told the commission short-term rentals are "occurring quite frequently in Town" and recommended an ordinance so "all the requirements [are] very clear."

Supporters said a permit system would give planning staff a way to document complaints and provide information to neighbors who call about activity next door. "If a permit was in place it could provide some relief/comfort to the caller," Peck told commissioners. Several members said permitting would help quantify the scale of rentals and offer a way to revoke privileges if owners fail to comply.

Opponents cautioned that the Town should not unduly restrict homeowners. Commissioner Chris White argued the Town could end up "dictating what people can and cannot do inside their own house," and said typical enforcement (police responses to noise or parking complaints) would remain the same whether a permit exists. White also said Airbnb searches showed few listings in Avon, raising questions about the scope of the problem.

The commission did not take a formal, binding vote to adopt an ordinance and left final adoption to the Town Council, which would be required to hold its own public hearing. Staff noted the draft currently allows "30 days 3 times a year" under one of its provisions. Commissioners identified three drafting areas to refine: penalty/fine language, limits on number of rentals per year and occupant limits based on Health/Building/Fire codes.

What happens next: the commission asked staff to work on clearer ordinance language addressing fines, frequency limits and occupancy and to return with revisions for further discussion before any recommendation to Council.