HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Repealing the Fee for Guest Lodging Licensure RESOLUTION NO. 20-646
RESOLUTION REPEALING THE FEE FOR
GUEST LODGING LICENSURE
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS,under House File 2641,a state law adopted in the last legislative session,local
governments are no longer able to regulate short-term rentals (locally called"guest lodging") as a
distinct activity differently from other residential uses within dwellings; and,
WHEREAS,as a result,licensing fees,Special Use Permits,and separation distances are no
longer allowed under the new law; and,
WHEREAS, based on the State's action, the City has very limited options regarding what
it can do to regulate short-term rentals; and,
WHEREAS, the new law does allow local government to "regulate, prohibit, or limit if
enforcement is performed in the same manner as enforcement applicable to similar properties that
are not short-term rentals" for such things as the "protection of public health and safety related to
fire and building safety, sanitation, or traffic control" and "residential use and zoning purposes
related to noise, property maintenance, or nuisance issues;" and,
WHEREAS,this means that short-term rentals are still subject to zoning as a residential use,
and importantly, are included under the purview of Chapter 13, Rental Housing; and,
WHEREAS, the rules and process established by the City in 2019 had exempted certain
licensed Guest Lodging (short-term rental) establishments from the full Rental Code compliance;
and,
WHEREAS, under Chapter 35, Short-Term Rentals (previously Guest Lodging), the Code
will change to the following:
- Licensing Requirement is removed.
- Categories of Vacation Lodging and Bed&Breakfast Establishments are removed
- References to "Guest Lodging"will be replaced with"Short-Term Rental."
- Voluntary Registration Process is added for Hosted Home Shares and Home Shares
- Require an inspection prior to licensing with a fee, but no annual fee for a license.
Inspections are required every other year.
- Violations and Penalties are removed,ifthe license is revoked,the property is subject
to Chapter 13 enforcement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that the repealing of the fee for the Guest Lodging licensure is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 8`' day of December, 2020.
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Martin
Seconded by: Beatty-Hansen
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Martin
Voting nay: None Absent: None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 8t' day of December, 2020.