I am writing to express my concerns about the recent changes made by the Hamilton County commissioners regarding short term vacation rentals. Prior to April 19, people were not allowed to rent out their homes on websites like Airbnb or VRBO in certain neighborhoods where families live; A1, R1 and R2. However, the commissioners changed the rules, and now people can rent out their homes on these websites in any neighborhood. This decision was made without any input from the affected communities, leaving them vulnerable to the negative impacts of short term vacation rentals.
Neighbors lost their voice about changes in their neighborhood, despite thinking that they had bought a home in an area where commercial businesses wouldn’t be allowed. Instead, the burden of enforcement falls on the residents, who are left to deal with any problems that may arise, such as excessive noise or parking issues. Meanwhile, the county and vacation rental companies reap all the benefits, leaving the neighborhood to do all the work.
Fortunately, Commissioner Highlander has brought forth an amendment that would allow homeowners to have a say in what happens in their neighborhood. This amendment would require any home in a residential neighborhood to post a sign for 30 days, giving neighbors the chance to voice their concerns or complaints to the county commissioners. If none of the neighbors object, the rental can proceed with no slowdown. However, if there are concerns or objections, they will be heard, and the commissioners will take them into account.
This amendment is crucial to ensuring that all members of the community have a voice in the decisions that affect their neighborhood. It allows for equal participation from all income levels and helps protect lower income areas from being bought up by investors, pushing out long-term residents. It also helps ensure that affordable housing remains available in the area.
The Urban Institute and other studies have shown that short term vacation rentals can push out entire neighborhoods, making it difficult for families to find affordable housing, increase homelessness and remove long-term residents who are part of the social fabric of our neighborhoods. This amendment will help prevent that from happening in our community.
I urge all citizens to write to the Hamilton County Commissioners and County Mayor Wamp, asking them to bring back the amendment and give the people a voice in the decision-making process. Let us work together to ensure that democracy is kept alive, and our voices are heard.
Colleen Kirk