RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ADOPTION AT NEXT COUNCIL MEETING.
By Krista Bingham
The City of Warrenton had a productive work session prior to the commission meeting, Tuesday night. The topics of discussion were Homestay lodging, commonly thought of as AirBNBs.
One challenge has been defining the difference between a Homestay lodging property, and a Vacation Rental- both of which can be registered on the popular travel website AirBNB.
The Commission made moves to define what type of properties qualify as a Homestay, and what is considered a vacation rental.
Working openly with the residents of the community, the City has taken a proactive approach regarding short term rental unit regulation. Commissioners have been working diligently toward creating agreeable guidelines and regulations, in an effort to avoid the confusion and conflict many other areas are experiencing. Requirements for off street parking were discussed, as well as a limit on how many rooms can be rented in each structure.
There are currently about 60 registered Homestay, or vacation rentals online on various travel websites such as AirBNB, and VRBO.
Once the definition and requirements are finalized, the resolution will be presented at the Warrenton City Commission meeting on December 11. If approved, citizens with current qualifying Homestay rentals will have 30 days to get a Warrenton City business license.
Discussion was also had about Accessory Dwelling Units, referred to as ADU’s. Current code only allows the use of ADU’s in properly zoned areas, with a restriction that an ADU’s occupant must be a relative of the property owner. It was agreed that this language be lifted to allow open occupancy. This new definition will also be read for approval at Decembers first commission meeting.
The City hopes to have further discussion about Vacation Rental licensing and the impact they may have on the current housing shortage the area is experiencing.
The Warrenton City Commission meets at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month in the Commission Chambers at Warrenton City Hall.
