Steve Thurston (2021)
Homeowners who want to rent their houses in the Town of Bolton will have to get a permit, possibly submit their homes to a basic inspection, and collect occupancy taxes if draft regulations are turned into law.
Aimed at short-term rentals inside residential areas, the law would not affect hotels, motels, summer staff lodging and other professional uses.
The town will hold a public hearing on March 2 at 10 a.m.
“This ordinance is aimed at the quiet enjoyment of our neighborhoods,” Supervisor Ron Conover said during Tuesday’s town board meeting. “To accomplish that, there has to be certain rules of the road.”
He said during a subsequent interview that he was not aware of illegal behavior in homes that are already being rented through Airbnb or other online services, but that sometimes people in a neighborhood become concerned. He said he has gotten some phone calls and letters. People wonder how the neighborhood changes with rentals or how infrastructure, such as the sewer system, might be affected. This new legislation is designed to regulate rentals and keep track of where they are.
"Sometimes, you have to get out in front of these issues," he said.
Given that most other localities have, or are working through, similar legislation, Bolton does not expect to receive pushback from the online reservation services, Conover said.
Permits will run three years, and if the property is sold, the new owner must reapply. Owners will have to prove their space is compliant with the laws and that they have the county’s permission to collect taxes.
Board member Susan Wilson thanked the attorney for all the work and the countless drafts. Town attorney Michael Muller asked the board to read the ordinance carefully as it runs 17 pages, and the board should be ready to handle questions.
He said, “It’s a good piece of legislation.”
The draft of Ordinance #45 and a link to the public hearing will be on the town’s website soon.