Airbnbs and other short term rentals were back in the spotlight at Tuesday’s Covington Board of Commissioners meeting.
The city gave an update regarding short-term-rentals’ impact on historic and residential properties in Covington.
This ordinance was amended in chapter 127 of the Covington code of ordinances short-term rentals, which involved revising density limits and expanding appeal rights related to the grant of a license.
City officials have been working on an update to prior ordinances that started last year and needed time for revisions and discussion regarding dwelling licenses and density limits that restrict and create necessary boundaries for certain neighborhoods and residential districts.
Most people, like Wallace Woods neighborhood association representative Ryan Christen Oliphant, stand firmly with the proposed ordinance for the future of their community.
For example, one of the many short-term rental revisions in chapter 127 include the previously mentioned Wallace Woods Neighborhood. According to a specific amendment, there is now a maximum of seven non-host occupied short-term rental units, with no more than one per block face.
“The best part about it is that it updates the neighborhood boundaries from the historic district, which are typically smaller, to actually the city view of the neighborhood, which is a lot larger,” said Oliphant.
He said that he thinks it will improve the community as a whole and benefit members in their neighborhood who have had previous and ongoing issues with past ordinances in respect to coding and boundaries of these properties.
“Obviously, as a neighborhood association we want to look after all the residents in our proper neighborhood,” Oliphant said. “And this change allows that but it also gives a voice to each neighborhood association in Covington, along with the adjacent property owners that are directly impacted.”
City officials will continue their conversation about short-term rental ordinances with other Covington departments on Saturday, May 18. It will begin at 9 a.m. and is open for public viewing and discussion.
