Lewisboro Town Board continues discussion of short-term rentals

By NEAL RENTZ

The Lewisboro  Town Board continued its discussion of potentially regulating short-term rentals at a June 22 work session.

After a recent public hearing in which residents appeared divided on the issue, the Town Board is mulling whether to move forward with legislation to regulate short-term housing rentals. A summary of emails from residents who support and oppose potential legislation was created with comments the town received following the board’s April 27 public hearing. 

Some of the emailed comments supporting regulation mentioned issues including lake communities becoming similar to commercial lodging zones; an influx of investor-owned homes; rentals resulting in stress to septic systems and lake contamination; unwanted noise and parking problems; boating safety; and trespassing onto docks and yards.

Don't punish good citizens

Comments from those opposing regulation included concerns that broad restrictions would punish good operators of the rentals for the conduct of a few landlords, and that existing town laws regarding noise, nuisance, parking, septic, and code rules should be enforced on all homes, not just short-term rentals.

People opposing regulation of short-term rentals also stated benefits such as providing flexible housing and temporary emergency housing; providing benefits for the local economy; and generating additional tax revenues. 

Supervisor Tony Gonçalves outlined the purpose of the work session.

“If we’re going to do anything, what should it look like?” The town currently does not have a requirement mandating the registering of homes used for short-term rentals, he noted.

Councilman Richard Sklarin asked if the town had statistics on how many homes are used for short-term rentals. Having the information would provide context for the board to determine if current town codes are adequate, he said. Gonçalves replied that the town does not compile data on the number of homes utilized for short-term rentals.

“I’m inclined to say we should have something,” Councilwoman Julia Hadlock said. 

Two potential ideas she said should be considered are to have regulations and a registry of homes used for short-term rentals. Those who register their homes would pay a fee to the town, she said. 

Revenues from the registration fee should go to pay for costs for  town-associated issues created by short-term renters, Councilman Dan Welsh said. 

Enforcement needed

Councilwoman Mary Shah said enforcement of current town codes was needed. Some of the codes already on the books are for noise, home occupancy, and parking, she said.

“We need to make sure that it’s equally and consistently enforced,” she said. “If it’s not being enforced then we have to do something about it.”  

Welsh asked his colleagues if they would seek to ban short-term rentals and none of the Town Board members supported a ban.

Sklarin said longtime residents now living on fixed incomes can continue to live in town because of revenue they receive from short-term tenants.

Hadlock said legislation could include a cap on the number of days allowed per short-term rental, which could convince homeowners to rent their dwellings for longer term rentals. A person renting for a year could feel they are more part of the community, she said.

Negative impacts

Some have expressed concerns about negative impacts of short-term rentals, and the board should discuss those issues, but the board may determine there is no need for legislation, Welsh said. 

Shah said the town should research the state law regarding short-term rentals and if the state has its own registry. The town should find out what corporations, such as Airbnb, require in terms of safety regulations for those who host short-term rentals, she said. 

If people encounter problems related to short-term rentals, such as illegal parking, they should report them to the town and  speak to owners of the rentals if there are problems, Hadlock said. 

The board will continue its discussion at a future meeting.