The three cities on Anna Maria Island appear destined to create rules for vacation homes and the visitors who occupy them.
The proposed Anna Maria ordinance to regulate short-term rentals is on a fast track to reality.
As Anna Maria commissioners get closer to finalizing an ordinance, vacation homeowners and property managers are speaking out.
Representatives of two groups — a lawyer representing clients and a coalition of owners and property managers — have sent the city pre-suit letters, expressing disappointment with the proposed ordinance.
“It seems litigation against the city we live in and love now seems to be inevitable,” said Larry Chatt, president of the Anna Maria Island Vacation Property Association.
Mike Brinson of Anna Maria Island Accommodations and Jason Sato of Sato Real Estate voiced their opinions at a March 26 commission meeting.
Both business owners reside in Anna Maria.
Sato said commissioners are pitting them against residents.
Brinson said the restrictions commissioners are trying to implement are too harsh and unnecessary.
Chatt said his coalition understands why the commission wants an ordinance and values balance. When the commission talks about rental restrictions began, AMIVPA representatives and others concerned with rental regulations met with the city on a proposal that was agreeable to rental agencies, renters and residents.
“Several months ago, members of the community and rental managers were in the same room, talking through real world solutions,” said Chatt.
Commissioner Doug Copeland said the rental agents pulled out of negotiations when the city started talks on seeking a court judgment on the legality of vacation rentals. Commission Chair Chuck Webb pushed to have short-term rentals declared as commercial activity — which is prohibited in the city’s residential zone.
From there, the commission moved on to write the rental ordinance and conversations with the coalition came to a close.
“I, as well as other responsible rental managers, cannot accept the current ordinance as it sits today,” said Chatt. “We will defend our property rights to responsibly rent to visitors that want to enjoy paradise.”
The first reading set for March 26 was postponed for some rewrites.
A public hearing and first reading of the vacation rental ordinance is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
This is a continuation of the same old mantra. The real estate managers are not the problem. The problem is enforcement.We have a new noise ordinance and a new magistrate’s system. The old mayor did this. We have State Statute 509. The county has a noise ordinance. County deputies write reports on ALL noise levels and issue a warning and a citation for the second time. Under Chief Kenny, Lt Damato and Sgt. Dangler; they wrote tickets issued warnings, and put people in jail.