New regulations could be in store for short-term rentals in Union County’s largest municipality.
The City of Elizabeth is considering a proposed ordinance that, if enacted, would ban the operation and advertising of short-term rentals on properties within city limits that are not lived in by an owner, according to a notice of hearing.
The document describes potential benefits of these rentals such as providing additional income for property owners and giving accommodation choices to visitors, but then says in part that “the use of single and multi-family dwelling units into short-term rental[s] can result in the loss of long-term housing for residents and has the potential to negatively impact the quality of neighborhoods by replacing a stable family dwelling with [a] business use that detracts from the overall community.”
“Unregulated short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods can negatively impact the area through nuisance violations, excessive noise, property damage, and an overall decrease in public safety,” the proposed ordinance adds.
Under this proposal, units of owner-occupied properties could be rented for less than 30 days under certain circumstances.
For instance, short-term rental signage on the premises, “commercial events or social events with nonguests,” the renting of properties to individuals under the age of 21, and rentals that “become a nuisance to adjoining residents” would all be prohibited, according to the notice.
Short-term rental permits and rental certificates of occupancy would need to be obtained from Elizabeth’s municipal government in advance.
The first reading of the proposed ordinance reportedly took place on January 26, with the notice indicating that final passage is scheduled to be considered during the Elizabeth City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, February 9, at 7:30 p.m.
Should the ordinance be implemented as worded in the notice, convicted violators could be fined between $250 and $2,000 for each day of noncompliance.
Note to readers: The dates that matters are scheduled to be discussed by the Elizabeth City Council and other governing bodies are subject to change.
