Holmes Beach is putting its vacation rental ordinance into gear by introducing its certification plans.
Representatives from the Holmes Beach Police Department and code enforcement hosted a meeting Sept. 12 at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, to explain the city’s vacation rental program and how the regulations will guide short-term rentals in the future.
More than 30 people gathered for the first of three scheduled VRC stakeholder meetings to learn about the application process for the city certificates and how inspections of rental units will be conducted.
“We’re just looking for compliance,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said.
HBPD Officer T-Rex Ogle gave a demonstration on submitting a vacation rental certificate application through the city website at www.holmesbeachfl.org.
Ogle said property owners and managers will need to enter a general address for the rental property and choose the exact address from a drop-down menu. A valid business tax receipt also is necessary to complete the application process.
Applicants are required to provide information on the property, such as the number of bedrooms — matching what is on file with the Manatee County Property Appraiser. A document proving property ownership, including tax records or a copy of a deed, must be uploaded with the online application or presented at the city clerk’s office with an application.
The $150 application fee, which covers the application and initial inspection, can be paid online or at the clerk’s office.
Completed applications are required to by Jan. 1.
Vacation rental certificates are valid for two years from the issue date. Application fees must be paid prior to processing and property inspections.
Tokajer said property inspections will be scheduled with owners or their agents as quickly as possible, but may take place after the January deadline.
“Our goal is to finish inspections by season,” Tokajer said. “The faster the applications come in, the faster we can get it done.”
Code enforcement officer JT Thomas said it should take approximately 15 minutes to complete an inspection. Items being checked include emergency egress, door locks and latches, bedrooms, bathrooms and the general safety of the structure.
“We’ll try to educate as we go along,” Thomas said. When possible, Thomas said inspectors will bring issues of compliance to the attention of the property owner during or after the inspection.
Tokajer said the certificate program includes enforcing the occupancy rule of two people per bedroom. He said there would be no differentiation between adults and children regarding occupancy limits.
“It’s counted by heartbeats, no matter how big or small,” he said. “Occupancy will be determined by the number of people sleeping in the unit.”
Thomas said beachfront units also will be checked for sea turtle-compliant outdoor lighting.
“We will give people the opportunity to correct issues,” Thomas said. “We’re coaching as we go along to help create a beautiful city.”
“I’m happy to get going on it,” Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek, a rental property owner, said at the conclusion of the meeting.
Suzi Fox, executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, said she was happy to see the program being put in place.
“It keeps people safe, it keeps our neighborhoods safe,” she said. “This is one of the best projects I’ve ever heard of, bringing two parties together — residents and visitors. I love this.”
Holmes Beach will host two more VRC stakeholder meetings, after press time Sept. 19, and at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.