§ 156.340 PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS AND APPLICABILITY.

   (A)   Purpose. The purpose of this subchapter is to regulate the use of residential dwelling units as short-term rentals (STRs) in order to:

      (1)   Protect the integrity of the residential character of the town's existing neighborhoods and the quality of life of its citizens;

      (2)   Establish a system to track and manage STR inventory in the town; and

      (3)   To protect the health and safety of occupants of STR units.

   (B)   Definitions. For purposes of this subchapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

      RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNIT. A building or portion of a building arranged or designed to provide complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.

      SHORT-TERM RENTAL or STR.

         (a)   The rental or lease for valuable consideration of a residential dwelling unit, or portion thereof, for a duration of less than 30 consecutive days is considered an STR and is subject to this subchapter;

         (b)   This subchapter and its requirements shall apply to any and all businesses that were previously defined as a bed and breakfast under earlier town ordinances; and

         (c)   Home-based businesses and tourist accommodations, including hotels (includes motels and extended-stay accommodations), boutique hotels (includes inns), and similar accommodations located on property in a commercial zoning district are not defined as SHORT-TERM RENTALS and thus are not subject to this subchapter.

      STR OPERATOR.  Any property owner who receives payment for operating a residential dwelling unit, or portion thereof, as a short-term rental. For the purposes of this subchapter, OPERATOR may be interpreted to mean property owner.

   (C)   Maximum number allowed. At no time shall the maximum number of residential dwelling units used as STRs exceed 400 (the “Cap”), except as otherwise set forth in § 156.341(A)(2).

(Ord. 19048, passed 8-13-19; Am. Ord. 21019, passed 4-13-21; Am. Ord. 22052, passed 12-8-22; Am. Ord. 23010, passed 4-11-23)