Lexington city leaders are continuing their review of new regulations for short term rentals. A draft ordinance was assessed Tuesday at city hall.
The proposed law seeks to establish tax accountability and guest safety requirements while also setting up a registration process for short term rentals. Council Member Bill Farmer brought the matter before the Planning and Public Safety Committee. “Right now this is a very concise package to require conversation and the payment of taxes and the registration of the hosts so we know who all is renting what all here in Lexington,” said Farmer.
Farmer said then the discussion will turn to zoning matters such as how many, where they are, and owner-occupied or not. The draft ordinance, given committee approval, calls for a $300 annual registration fee and monthly reporting. The veteran council member said a major objective is to see all short term rental services beyond Airbnb registered and paying transient room taxes and other fees.
Several Airbnb hosts attended the meeting. Rachel Johnson noted she invested $20,000 in renovations to her house. “I currently am on disability and very limited in what I can do with my health issues and what Airbnb is really doing is creating an opportunity where I can supplement my income and then hopefully with a plan even come off my disability,” explained Johnson.
Council Member James Brown added the aim is not to hurt the industry but it’s also important that matters don't go unchecked and hurt neighborhoods.?
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