Short term rentals: they’re those properties that are rented out by an owner to vacationers or tourists -- often for a week, a few weeks, or a few days. Vacation Rental By Owner ( VRBO) and Airbnb are two of the most popular websites for these types of rentals. While the industry provides a stream of income to property owners and more options for tourists, neighbors of short-term rentals across the country are asking municipalities to create regulations governing the business. Some neighbors are in favor of outright bans of short-term rentals.
It’s not an easy issue – as we learn on this edition of CoastLine. The question of whether and how to regulate this industry raises all kinds of complicated issues around property rights and zoning. And there’s research to support both sides of the argument.
The City of Wilmington has been holding public meetings since last year to get stakeholder input. The next meeting at which the Planning Commission will look at a draft of staff's policy proposal on July 12th in City Council Chambers at 4 PM. It's a public meeting, although no public input will be accepted at that meeting. A public hearing will be scheduled after that meeting to get stakeholder input on the proposal.
Guests:
Phoebe Bragg, President of Residents of Old Wilmington, a coalition of neighbors in Wilmington’s downtown historic district
Natalie David, Chair of Wilmington Host, an organization formed in 2016 that advocates FOR short-term rentals
Christine Hughes, Senior Planner, City of Wilmington
Resources:
http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/departments/city-manager/short-term-rentals
Residents of Old Wilmington: http://www.rowilmington.org/
Wilmington Host: http://www.wilmingtonhost.org/
