Even with some changes still possible, Putnam County’s much-wrangled short-term rentals (STR) ordinance could become finalized in August.
The commissioners’ July 7 work session on the topic – its fifth – went over a 10-page draft ordinance that included the creation of three overlays “regions,” a continuation of the so-called “Masters’ exemption,” a maximum capacity of two persons per bedroom (plus two additional persons per residence), and a cap on the number of non-owner-occupied parcels in each region.
The three overlay regions would be (1) properties zoned R-1R, (2) properties zoned R-1, R-2, RM-1, and RM-2, and (3) properties zoned AG. Their purpose, according to the language of the draft, is to place a cap on the number of non-owner-occupied parcels within each region and to reduce the number of transient guests.
Also included were limits on parking, external lighting, and outside electronic devices after 10 p.m.
Likewise, numerous and detailed enforcement provisions were proposed to put pressure on owners and property managers to maintain their permits in the face of three-strikes-and-you’re-out violations.
In a telephone interview this week, County Attorney Adam Nelson said the goal of the ordinance was not to set up “trip wires” for STR providers but to ensure neighbors could enjoy the peace and quiet of their properties and “not even know the adjacent property was an STR.”
A few decisions remained for Tuesday night’s mid-month meeting, including possible scheduling of a public hearing the morning of the commission’s Aug. 4 meeting, followed by a possible commission vote on the ordinance at its Aug. 15 mid-month meeting.
Copies of the draft ordinance are available upon request through the office of Putnam County Clerk Lynn Butterworth.