COMMENTARY

“…If vacation rentals are here to stay, at least in the unincorporated areas of Indian River County, the County Commission must rise above its Libertarian leanings and pass reasonable restriction on these short-term rentals. For, as Powell says, “no one should be negatively impacted by their neighbor.”

MARK SCHUMANN

In advance of the passage of legislation prohibiting Florida counties and cities from further regulating vacation rentals, the Indian River County commission declined to prohibit so-called short-term rentals of less than 30 days in residential areas.  Given the County Commission’s inaction, it would seem residents in the unincorporated areas of Indian River County are going to have to learn to live with vacation rentals.

In the wake of a number of high-profile complaints about oceanside mansions being rented out as “party houses,” the County Commission last week appointed an Short-Term Vacation Rental Advisory Committee to consider options for restricting parking and allowable uses for short-term rentals.

Following the appointment of a committee weighted with members who make at least part of their income handling short-term rentals, I argued that the County Commission was simply allowing the fox to guard the henhouse, so to speak. Though I still believe that assessment is accurate, it would only be fair to acknowledge that one member of committee, Glenn Powell of Roseland,  called me yesterday to take exception to my characterization of his motives for serving on the committee.

Powell explained that for more than a decade he has successfully managed vacation rental homes in Roseland. Powell said he has the required licenses and collects and pays the required taxes. Just as importably, Powell said he carefully “weeds out potential nightmare tenants.” Powell also said he has “no tolerance for bad vacation landlords.”

In a follow-up email, Powell wrote, “I’m in complete agreement with all of the neighbors of badly run vacation rental homes. No one should be negatively impacted by their neighbor (never mind if the neighbor is there for a week, a month or twenty years).”

Powell said that as early as 2006 he urged the County’s planning department to establish regulations on vacation rentals.  “Personally, I have been in favor of smart regulations all along.

At its Sept. 22 meeting, the County Commission is to consider a ban on special events at vacation rentals. Powell said he has be instrumental in calling for this and other “smart” limitations on allowable uses at vacation rental properties.

“Smart” limitations on short-term, vacation rentals are now allowed for in Florida law. If vacation rentals are here to stay, at least in the unincorporated areas of Indian River County, the County Commission must rise above its Libertarian leanings and pass reasonable restriction on these short-term rentals. For, as Powell says, “no one should be negatively impacted by their neighbor.”