2021.02.09 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned if this Ordinance would apply to only residential dwellings or would this apply to commercial properties as well. Gozola explained the proposed Ordinance would apply to multi- family and single-family residential properties. He reported this Ordinance does not extend to business or industrial areas because they do not have the necessary living facilities. Councilmember Axberg supported the City offering latitude and being flexible with this Ordinance and dealing with the outliers when necessary. Councilmember Allen questioned if each property would require a license or if one property owner could receive one license for numerous properties. Gozola stated the proposed Ordinance would require one application per property. Councilmember Dunsworth inquired how much the permit fee would be. Gozola commented staff's intention would be to keep the fee low. Councilmember Abdulle asked what would happen when a property had a first and second offense. Gozola discussed the proposed that would be followed by the City, noting the City Council would have to review the license prior to the property owner being allowed to rent the property again. He stated a revocation of the permit or other penalties would be a determination of the City Council. Councilmember Allen recommended the permits be tied to a person along with the property. Councilmember Dunsworth commented this is where things get tricky. She asked if problem properties would flag problem people. She assumed that the City would know if there were problem properties or problem people with short-term rentals in the community. She indicated the Council could always pass an Ordinance and revisit the language if other concerns were to arise. She still recommended the City take the occupancy limit out of the Ordinance. Councilmember Allen questioned how the City would be making the public aware of this Ordinance. Gozola explained the City could advertise the Ordinance on the City's website, social media and within the City newsletter. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked if the Council had any other requirements that should be considered. Councilmember Abdulle suggested parking guidelines be considered. Councilmember Allen stated the City could have a provision requiring the property owner providing the renter with City parking requirements. Councilmember Axberg reiterated that the City does not have a big problem with short-term rentals at this time. She supported the City putting measures in place should keep this in mind. Councilmember Allen suggested the City hold conversations with the six or ten people that were currently renting their property to see if there is anything else the Council should be taking into consideration within the proposed Ordinance. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas supported this recommendation.