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SmargelingArgarfsner t1_iy3804u wrote

Reply to comment by Twombls in Why can't vermont tax Airnbn by Old_Ad_1301

I don’t think banning is the right answer, there has historically always been a place for short term rentals in most places people want to visit, VT included.

I think a better solution is this, a regulation that requires all short term rentals to be registered with the state or town. Pay a somewhat hefty fee, meet minimum housing standards etc. Additionally, if the property is owner occupied, then you are allowed to short term rent unlimited days per year, with a max of 30 continuous. If the property is non-owner occupied then you are limited to either 60 or 90 days of short term rental per year with a max of 30 continuous. Steep penalties for violations.

This would allow people to supplement income renting a in-law suite, or allow snowbirds to make some seasonal money. It will also ice out the investors who want to buy up SFH and run a mini hotel chain.

The other angle to play is the fire code. I’m not sure what VT has adopted but in my hometown we are classifying STR’s with occupancy greater than 5 as Lodging and Rooming Houses per NFPA 1 & 101 which requires sprinklers and fire alarms. It has been very effective.

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Zestyclose_Alfalfa13 t1_iy39bsf wrote

If you're old enough to remember a time before airbnb, people who needed extra income got a roommate, That didn't generate as much income as airbnb short-term rentals, but it did provide housing which is what we need. If you live in your home and need the extra income, get a roommate.

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GreenHorror4252 t1_iy5vfkz wrote

B&B's have been around a long time, they weren't invented by Airbnb. In fact, they even predate hotels. Before the internet, you could book a B&B through a travel agent.

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SmargelingArgarfsner t1_iy3alje wrote

I get that, but the people who drive the economy in destination locations still need to have a place to stay.

Back then there was industry and employment to be found all over the place. All those jobs are gone and ME, VT, and NH rely largely on the service industry and tourism to pay the bills. We need places for these people to stay when they visit, but not at the expense of our neighborhoods and our ability to house our population. We need to strike a balance. That’s what that proposal does, protecting the community, and balancing the rights of owners with the need to curtail the growth of STR’s. 🤷🏽‍♂️

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