MILT THOMAS

In a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting Thursday evening that lasted more than four hours, the South Beach Property Owners Association (SBPOA) finally achieved their “day in court” regarding the growing issue of short term vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods.  After Community Development Director, Stan Boling, presented recommendations of the County Commission-appointed Short Term Vacation Rental Advisory Committee (SRVRAC), SBPOA president, Dr. Miles Conway, presented a rebuke of those recommendations and unveiled alternate suggestions based on extensive research conducted by his organization.

In a presentation that lasted about two hours, Dr. Conway reviewed state requirements, examples of how other Florida counties are handling short term rentals, even other states, as well as how Airbnb, the leading agency handling these rentals, has extolled the virtues of this business with little regard to the impact they have on neighborhoods. Dr. Conway called up several residential homeowners who have had run-ins with renters. Two women who rent out homes to short term customers defended their rights to do so. STVRAC Chairman Glenn Powell defended his Committee’s findings and legitimacy. Vice Chairman Joe Paladin clarified some of the decision making.

The reason this meeting was characterized as a “day in court,” is the longstanding objections by the SBPOA and others that the committee charged with recommending regulations was heavily weighted in favor of the rental industry. Although Powell claimed he was the only rental residence owner, the seven member committee included two rental property owners, a rental real estate agent and a small government/ minimal regulation proponent. In addition, most commenters from the audience were rental property owners or representatives. The primary difference between that committee’s recommendations and the presentation Thursday evening is the level of research and due diligence that went in to the SBPOA findings.

The meeting ended when the public comment section was closed. P&Z will meet again next Thursday, June 2, at 7:00pm in a public meeting to discuss the points brought up and then render a decision on short term rental regulations. Their final document will then be turned over to the County Commission for a decision.

More details of Thursday’s discussion will follow.