2021.03.08 Council Agenda Item 6
Summary
Concept discussion of a proposed short-term rental ordinance.
A public comment period will not be included with this item.
ACTION: Council action is not anticipated.
Description
Background:
The Ordinance Committee began discussing short-term rentals in 2018 after residents contacted councilors with concerns. In the 2019-2020 Council work plan, the Council directed the Ordinance Committee to explore options surrounding the development of short-term rental regulations. Town staff conducted research on the short-term rental landscape in Falmouth as well as Maine municipalities and select national municipalities’ short-term rental ordinances. This research was presented at the January 13, 2020 Council meeting. At the meeting, the Council directed staff to hold a public forum. A public forum was held on March 11, 2020. The forum findings identified both benefits and concerns related to short-term rentals in Falmouth. Over the last year, the Ordinance Committee has worked on developing the proposed short-term rental ordinance.
Current Status
The purpose of the proposed ordinance is to monitor the impact on residential neighborhoods by the operation of short-term rentals within the Town and to provide a registration program that enables the Town to monitor and track short-term rentals within its borders.
The proposed ordinance creates a registration system and facilitates data collection. There is no other substantive regulation.
The proposed ordinance and concept discussion presentation are attached.
