Subject:
Title
Vacation Rentals
End
Fiscal Impact:
Indeterminate; potential positive impact
Dept/Office:
District 3
Requested Action:
Recommendation
Direct staff to develop code amendments consistent with the direction below
End
Summary Explanation and Background:
Staff has identified a number of sources of confusion with the current Land Use Code as it relates to short-term rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO. Indeed, the current code is so convoluted that it is not possible to create a map of the County or other form of guide accurately indicating to property-owners where such rentals are allowed. Essentially, a lawful use of property is being restricted through opaqueness of the law and its application.
The only viable solution to this issue involves an amendment to the County's land use code. The County Attorney's Office, after researching the issue, has determined that it would be acceptable under statute to add a new use consistent with Florida Statute, "Vacation Rental," and associated definitions, and include that in the various zoning classifications as a permitted use without conditions (see attached documents).
Once the Vacation Rental use is established and inserted into those zoning classifications which the Board chooses, it would then be appropriate to examine removing the existing use of "short-term rental" from those classifications where there is any conflict. At that point, it would be a simple process for staff to develop a map to guide property owners on where vacation rentals are permitted.
As such, it is requested that the Board direct staff to develop amendments to code to effectuate the following:
a) The addition of a new use and definition, "Vacation Rental," mirroring the definition contained in Florida Statute
b) Include this use as a permitted use, with no conditions, in the following zoning classifications:
1) RA-2-4, RA-2-6, RA-2-8, RA-2-10 (Single-Family Attached Residential)
2) RP (Residential Professional)
3) GU (...
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