New state legislation has provided cities, towns, and counties with the legal authority to enact minimal regulations of short-term rentals (STRs).
In January, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors met to discuss the draft ordinance for STRs. There wasn’t much discussion, critique of the legislation, or future paths to improve it. The Supervisors seem primarily pleased with the outcome, which has people who want real regulation scratching their heads.
But, maybe, just maybe, this is the start of something good?
The regulations proposed are:
STRs will be required to be permitted and provide a transaction privilege tax.
The County can collect an annual permit fee of up to $250.
STRs must notify all adjacent neighbors with emergency contact information.
STRs can lose or have their permit suspended, plus be hit with fines from $500-$3,500 for the following ‘verified violations’:
Felony offense committed at or in the vicinity of a vacation rental resulting from the knowing intentional or reckless conduct of short-term rental.
A serious physical injury or wrongful death related to a short-term rental resulting from the knowing intentional or reckless conduct of the short-term rental.
Owners knowingly or intentionally housing a sex offender, allowing offenses related to adult-oriented businesses, sexual crimes or prostitution, or operating or maintaining a sober-living home.
Knowingly or intentionally allowing the use of a vacation rental for a special event that would otherwise require a temporary use permit and failure to maintain reasonable access for first responders.
As you can see, short of a felony like murder, sex trafficking, and selling drugs (which are illegal anyway), there is no real relief for nuisances imposed upon the neighbors of short-term rentals. Overflowing trash, too many guests booked with a million cars, parking issues, noise, too many STRs in one neighborhood and trespassing—all things that steal contentment in our own neighborhoods—are still groovy with most of our lawmakers.
These new regulations are not a big win, but they are a little, teeny tiny start.
A public hearing will be held Tuesday, February 28. The Board will hear public comments and consider and possibly adopt the final ordinance.
Members of the public wishing to observe and participate in the hearing may do so via Zoom Teleconference at 6pm.
Anyone wishing to provide written comment may do so up to 24-hours before the hearing time by emailing Assistant Director of Community Development Jess McNeely at wmcneely@coconino.az.gov.
コメント