LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB NEWS) --Â Louisville is considering some big changes to short-term rental regulations that would impact where the properties can operate and how many guests can occupy them at one time, among other things.
The Louisville Metro Planning Commission held a public hearing on the matter Thursday afternoon where dozens of people brought heated comments from both sides of the issue.Â
A handful of regulation changes are being considered by the planning commission, which will eventually make a recommendation to Metro Council. Two proposed changes were the focus of many comments.
One proposed change would limit the number of guests allowed in a rental at one time, to two times the number of bedrooms plus two, capping the total occupancy at 10 people. Currently, the regulations cap occupancy at two times the number of bedrooms plus four people.Â
"Folks who live here everyday, who work here, who bought homes, who invest in their homes, deserve to live in residential neighborhoods without a hotel opening up on their block," Concerned neighbor Joe Hummel said.Â
Another proposed amendment to regulations would stop short term rentals in units that are not the primary residences of the hosts. There are two options being considered for these non owner-occupied properties including disallowing them in all residential zoning districts or just in single-family residential zoning districts.
"A complete ban of non owner-occupied properties in the residential areas would be a huge mistake for our city," Jonathan Klunk said. Klunk's company Key Source Properties manages more than 60 short term rental units in the Louisville area.Â
Since there was so much to consider, the planning commission decided to continue the hearing at another meeting scheduled for January 24.Â
"It gives us a little bit more time, to do a little research, learn a little bit more, determine whether we have to make any changes or whether we're just going to go with the recommendations that we have," Vince Jarboe, Chairman of the Metro Louisville Planning Commission said.Â
Last month, Metro Councilman Bill Hollander told WDRB the Jefferson County Attorney Office's has told him that the city would have no authority to revoke permits it has already granted for short-term rentals in non-primary residences, so those who already have a permit would be grandfathered from any changes.Â
A separate piece to this issue involves a moratorium that Metro Council will vote on next week. It would temporarily stop the city from issuing permits allowing people to operate short term rentals in homes that aren't their primary residence. That would last for three months, or until new regulations are approved, whichever is sooner.
