A vacation rental registry was back on the agenda at the Aug. 25 workshop in Holmes Beach.
Commissioners are discussing items to be included on a certificate application and the creation of a property database.
Human resources specialist Mary Buonagura began by asking commissioners why the city is creating the short-term rental certificate.
Commissioner Carol Soustek said, “It gives everyone straight guidelines across the board. It’s a business that’s been run very loosely. The city is requiring a clear, even playing field for everyone.”
Commissioner Marvin Grossman said he thinks the vacation rental certificate will help to retain the residential character of the island. “We’re not against renters,” he said. “We’re trying to retain a good neighbor policy. We should treat them well and they should treat us well.”
Commissioner Jean Peelen said the push by some to increase tourism has put a lot of pressure on residents. “Right now, we have a completely unregulated industry and it’s right in our neighborhoods,” she said. “We need to find a way to live side-by-side.”
Buonagura presented a three-point plan to build the vacation rental certificate program, including gathering the information needed for the application, determining the supporting documentation needed and developing inspection requirements for rental units.
Chair Judy Titsworth suggested adding a page to Buonagura’s outline to include ordinances the commission may change that effect vacation rentals, including changes to the sign ordinance that would require signs be posted parallel to the ground outside the unit.
Grossman also suggested adding a page to accompany rental certificates to detail ordinances and regulations for owners, real estate agents and property managers.
Buonagura said she’d like to see some sort of communitywide education on ordinances and regulations to make sure renters, property owners and residents understand their roles in compliance.
Titsworth agreed, saying, “We’re all stakeholders at heart. We don’t want to make it unbearable.”
Items being considered for the vacation rental application include the residence address and parcel number, owner and agent contact information, number of bedrooms and maximum occupancy.
Supporting documentation requirements may include a copy of the rental agent’s license, a certificate of occupancy, certificate of completion for any major construction and any non-conformities on the property. Listing the vacation rental certificate number on signage and in advertisements may also be required.
Inspections required before issuance of a vacation rental certificate would include checking parking, landscaping and pools for land-development-code compliance. Commissioners also are considering requiring electronically monitored smoke detectors to compensate for duplex units that are in close proximity or attached units.
Commissioners will continue their vacation rental certificate discussion at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.
The Idea of inspections before the issuance of the rental certificate is smart, but also there should be a yearly inspection and a charge for a yearly rental inspection. This is to check for safety of the unit/house, as well as possibilities of any new renovations that might be added after the fact.
Economic growth and the environment, both are an important factor, making rules that won’t affect both vacation rentals and residential peoples can bring calm to the city.
Daniel
Rentallac