Vermont Standard
1/30/20
By Allan Stein
Standard Staff
A controversial set of new zoning regulations governing short term rental (STR) properties in Woodstock has been passed by a majority of the select board.
The board’s split 3-2 decision capped six months of public hearings on the proposed new regulations, described as a “good solution” by Planning Commission Chair Sally Miller.
“This is a good solution that will allow all short term rentals to be covered in our town,” Miller said at the final public hearing with the select board on Jan. 21.
The new guidelines amend Section 526 in the town zoning regulations covering the operation of short term rentals in Woodstock’s town and village.
Select Board Chair LD “Butch” Sutherland and board member Ray Bourgeois voted against the new regulations.
“I think it’s too restrictive,” said Bourgeois, while Sutherland called for more discussion.
According to the new regulations, the town “recognizes the benefit of short term rentals to home owners, visitors and the community. However, it is important not to create a nuisance or change the residential character of the area.”
In 2002, the planning commission enacted an ordinance that partly addressed short term rentals, although that was before the arrival of so-called air bed-and-breakfasts.
Moreover, town officials have voiced concerns that a proliferation of short term rentals might reduce the number of year-round residents.
“It has become much more necessary to have more control of what happens in the town,” Miller said.
However, several Woodstock residents characterized the new regulations as “overly restrictive” and a solution in search of a problem.
“We can’t regulate everybody in town. We’re not a condo association,” Susan Fuller said. “I do object that we are trying to control the neighborhood.”
Under the new rules, a short-term rental permit is not required for foliage season — Sept. 15 to Oct. 21 — “when the owner of primary tenant is in residence throughout the rental period and provisions are met.”
The new regulations include 12 provisions to “ensure that the commercial use of residential property does not adversely affect the neighborhood in which short term rentals are located.”
In addition, homeowners have the responsibility to comply with the Vermont Department of Taxes regarding rooms and meals tax rules and regulations.
The new regulations, in part, include these other provisions:
• Conditional use approval is required for rental periods of fewer than 30 days.
• Short term rentals are allowed no more than 10 times in a calendar year with a two-night minimum stay, excluding foliage season. When the owner is in residence, five additional rentals are allowed for up to a total of 15 rentals per calendar year.
• In Residential Five Acre and Forestry zones, short term rentals are allowed no more than 15 times in a calendar year with a two-night minimum stay. When the owner is in residence, short-term rentals are unlimited.
• All short term rental units shall be inspected and approved by the fire chief before the use is allowed.
• Only one short term rental use is allowed per property.
Each violation of the new regulations will carry a $200 fine for each day the violation continues, said Woodstock Town Planner and Administrative Officer Michael Brands.
By Allan Stein
Standard Staff
A controversial set of new zoning regulations governing short term rental (STR) properties in Woodstock has been passed by a majority of the select board.
The board’s split 3-2 decision capped six months of public hearings on the proposed new regulations, described as a “good solution” by Planning Commission Chair Sally Miller.
“This is a good solution that will allow all short term rentals to be covered in our town,” Miller said at the final public hearing with the select board on Jan. 21.
The new guidelines amend Section 526 in the town zoning regulations covering the operation of short term rentals in Woodstock’s town and village.
Select Board Chair LD “Butch” Sutherland and board member Ray Bourgeois voted against the new regulations.
“I think it’s too restrictive,” said Bourgeois, while Sutherland called for more discussion.
According to the new regulations, the town “recognizes the benefit of short term rentals to home owners, visitors and the community. However, it is important not to create a nuisance or change the residential character of the area.”
In 2002, the planning commission enacted an ordinance that partly addressed short term rentals, although that was before the arrival of so-called air bed-and-breakfasts.
Moreover, town officials have voiced concerns that a proliferation of short term rentals might reduce the number of year-round residents.
“It has become much more necessary to have more control of what happens in the town,” Miller said.
However, several Woodstock residents characterized the new regulations as “overly restrictive” and a solution in search of a problem.
“We can’t regulate everybody in town. We’re not a condo association,” Susan Fuller said. “I do object that we are trying to control the neighborhood.”
Under the new rules, a short-term rental permit is not required for foliage season — Sept. 15 to Oct. 21 — “when the owner of primary tenant is in residence throughout the rental period and provisions are met.”
The new regulations include 12 provisions to “ensure that the commercial use of residential property does not adversely affect the neighborhood in which short term rentals are located.”
In addition, homeowners have the responsibility to comply with the Vermont Department of Taxes regarding rooms and meals tax rules and regulations.
The new regulations, in part, include these other provisions:
• Conditional use approval is required for rental periods of fewer than 30 days.
• Short term rentals are allowed no more than 10 times in a calendar year with a two-night minimum stay, excluding foliage season. When the owner is in residence, five additional rentals are allowed for up to a total of 15 rentals per calendar year.
• In Residential Five Acre and Forestry zones, short term rentals are allowed no more than 15 times in a calendar year with a two-night minimum stay. When the owner is in residence, short-term rentals are unlimited.
• All short term rental units shall be inspected and approved by the fire chief before the use is allowed.
• Only one short term rental use is allowed per property.
Each violation of the new regulations will carry a $200 fine for each day the violation continues, said Woodstock Town Planner and Administrative Officer Michael Brands.
1 comment:
Practical enforcement is my concern, I agree with the vote
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