WGXC-90.7 FM

Woodstock to hold public hearing on proposed short-term rental law

Feb 27, 2019 1:45 pm
William J. Kemble is reporting for the Daily Freeman the Woodstock Town Board will hold a hearing Mar. 12 to receive public comment about proposed regulations that would add short-term rentals to the law that governs bed-and-breakfast establishments. Woodstock officials have been working on the new rules for more than a year, and they hope to address concerns about nuisance guests while acknowledging that short-term rentals play a role in bringing visitors to town. Under the proposed law, short-term rentals would be restricted to single-family and two-family homes and limited at 30 days. Short-term rental sites would be prohibited from including a restaurant or other commercial services. In addition, short-term rental sites would be limited to two occupants per bedroom, and be prohibited from renting more than two bedrooms in a house. Town officials also want to make property owners responsible for telling visitors to be good neighbors. “Host will provide guests with copies of local laws, especially the noise ordinance,” the proposal states. Complaints about short-term rentals have included loud music, trash problems and unsafe drivers. A 2017 survey at Airbnb.com indicated that approximately 100 rentals available in Woodstock currently operate without owners in residence. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.