CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM

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Department:

Planning & Development Services

City Manager’s Office

Commission Meeting Date:  2/20/2018

Staff Contact:

Scott McCullough, Director of Planning & Development Services

Danielle Buschkoetter, Management Assistant

Recommendations/Options/Action Requested:

 

Initiate a text amendment to the City of Lawrence Land Development Code to incorporate short-term rental uses and direct staff to develop an ordinance for the licensing, inspecting and regulating of short-term rental properties.

 

Executive Summary:

At the work session on November 14, 2017, staff presented a general framework for regulating short-term rentals (STR). That framework outlined eight (8) key elements:

1.    STR permitted in all zoning districts;

2.    Collect Transient Guest Tax and Sales Tax;

3.    Annual License/Fee;

4.    Annual Inspection/Fee;

5.    Proof of Insurance;

6.    Conform with Current Occupancy Standards;

7.    Local Contact Person;

8.    Notice to Neighbors.

 

The attached memo summarizes that meeting and the general direction provided by the City Commission. In summation, the direction included proceeding with the recommended framework with the following adjustments: change the inspection cycle to follow current rental registration guidelines of inspecting every three (3) years instead of annually; remove the local contact person, and change the distance related to the notice to neighbors.

 

The memo also responds to questions raised by the City Commission related to taxation and insurance. Finally, it identifies next steps in the process which includes initiating a text amendment to the City of Lawrence Land Development Code with future public input on such.

Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor

Effective Governance/Professional Administration

Safe, Healthy, and Welcoming Neighborhoods

Collaborative Solutions

Economic Growth and Security

Fiscal Impact (Amount/Source):

The licensing and inspection program is intended to be cost-neutral.  It appears, Planning & Development Services staff will be able to manage the anticipated workload associated with these regulations within current staffing levels.

Attachments:

Memorandum

 

 

Reviewed By:

(for CMO use only)

TM

DS

CT

BM