by Matt Bise published in postandcourier.com
It was being discussed by council members just a month ago and it did not take long to get it in the books. Those offering short-term rentals now must get a permit in the city of Goose Creek.
Because the state hasn’t played a role in regulating such rentals, it is up to the municipalities to govern them. During its Tuesday, Aug. 8, Goose Creek City Council did just that.
The city of Goose Creek wants to keep an eye on those who are renting their homes in the area. After it was first proposed at the July 11 meeting the measure moved ahead until the recent vote. Two council members were not present, but the measure passed 5-0 at the meeting. The planning commission also passed the plan 7-0.
“Thanks to our staff we were able to come up with something that we all felt good about representing our short term, rental owners in the city limits,” said Melissa Enos, council member
City leaders, like Enos, said something had to done because the rentals were lost tax revenue for the city. Mayor Greg Habib pointed out there have been no changes on how the city governs rental properties since 1985.
The ordinance is effective immediately and forces short-term renters to have a permit and/or some type of business license to operate. Habib said council does not want to stop or limit the rentals, but does want to know the locations.
“We just want to codify that they are allowed in the city and we know where they are so we can then work with the (Department of Revenue) to receive the appropriate taxes,” Habib said about the ordinance.
The ordinance defines a short-term rental as a unit rented in its entirety to transient guests for no more than 30 days. If residents want to open their home as a short-term rental, they will now have to apply for a permit and a business license to be renewed annually. The permit will cost $100.
Some things in the new plan state the unit manager or owner must place all permits in a visible location in the property along with emergency contacts such as first responders in the city. The rental unit must be properly maintained and inspected by the owner of the property and must meet all zoning, safety and health codes.
In addition, all of the homes adjacent to the short-term rental have to be notified before a permit is awarded. Proof of the notification must be provided in the form of a legal affidavit before obtaining a permit.
The property owner or manager must be available by phone 24-hours a day, seven days a week to address any problems that may arise for those staying at the property. Short-term rentals are allowed in all residential districts, but are subject to guidelines such as neighborhood covenants or homeowner’s association rules and regulations.
Original article can be found at https://www.postandcourier.com/our-gazette/news/city-passes-new-regulations-for-short-term-rentals/article_498a730a-36a1-11ee-9519-1743b39b624e.html
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