All Forum Posts by: Alex Brown
Alex Brown has started 1 posts and replied 2 times.
Post: No Rules for STRs But Zoning Says They're Illegal. Now What?
- Posts 2
- Votes 1
Thank you all very much for your feedback! It was very helpful. I will take a look a the resources you provided and get clarity from a lawyer.
Post: No Rules for STRs But Zoning Says They're Illegal. Now What?
- Posts 2
- Votes 1
I've been interested in using my home as a short-term rental (STR) property so last week, after watching this video from James Carlson and Erin Spradlin, I called the Department of Planning and Zoning and spoke to the Director. I asked her if they had any specific ordinances regarding STRs, like those listed on Airbnb and VRBO, and she said no. She then immediately added, "but it is illegal." She said that she knows that there are lots of homes listed on those sites but she doesn't check them. However, she said that when they get complaints from neighbors, she sends code enforcement out to issue a cease and desist order. When I asked her to explain why/how it was illegal given the fact that there aren't any specific ordinances regarding STRs, she said, "They are illegal because there are not any rules that say you can have them." I was very surprised by this statement but maybe I should not have been because James and Erin did mention this possibility in the video so that's why I'm asking you experts for advice on what I can do next. I went on to ask if the city council has plans to discuss STRs in the future and if she knows if they will develop a more favorable attitude toward them. The answer was no to both questions.
Here are my questions:
1. Who is the best person to ask to get further clarification on what is legal/illegal regarding STRs in my city? A city councilperson? A local lawyer? A judge? Someone else?
2. Any other suggestions on the next step(s) I should take?
3. Is it reasonable to assume that a cease and desist order is related to noise or some sort of public disturbance rather than a violation of a code that does not exist?
4. Ultimately, I'm interested in renting out my home to people who need housing for longer than 30 days but less than a year. What resources should I be studying that can help me with this, if I do find that it would be legal to do so.
Thank you for any help you can give. I really appreciate it!