The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government voted to approve tighter regulations on the city’s short term rentals Thursday.
Those changes include shrinking the amount of people allowed in a rental from 12 to 10 people. They would also reduce the number of rentals to two percent or less of units in residential zones and none within 600 feet of each other.
There are some exceptions, including if a property is next to a nonresidential zone that allows rentals as a “principal or accessory use,” or if a “significant environmental feature or minor arterial or high classification road” separates a rental property from others in the area.
Some residents who spoke in favor of the ordinance say those exceptions water it down. That includes Walt Gaffield, president of the Fayette County Neighborhood Council.
“Why in the middle of a housing crisis would we want to convert more residences, that can be used for residences, into short term rentals? We have not solved the housing crisis, and it's not going to happen anytime soon,” Gaffield said.
Owners of short-term rental properties, like Steve Dennis, spoke against the ordinance during a public comment period earlier this week. He argued they promote tourism.
“It seems like our city is really at odds with itself. Do we want more visitors, or do we not? That's the question, and what's the right number? Nobody knows that,” Dennis said.
The vote was nearly unanimous, with Councilmember Chuck Ellinger being the lone abstaining vote.
The new regulations will go into effect December 12.
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