The recent rise in popularity of short-term vacation rentals has led to increased pressure on Summit County to regulate the industry.
While the short-term vacation rental market can provide a tremendous economic boost to the county, there are also concerns about the potential negative impacts on the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Data shows that the percentage of new short-term vacation rental licenses outside of Summit County’s resort areas is increasing, while the stock of seasonal and long-term rental as well as local worker ownership housing is decreasing.
Simultaneously, the housing crisis in Summit County has continued, and the number of short-term vacation rentals in unincorporated Summit County has increased.
This means that the Board can pass an ordinance that will help to control how short-term vacation rentals operate in the county.
In June 2021, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 20, which updated the regulations for short-term vacation rentals and designated the Summit County Planning Department as the department responsible for processing applications for licenses. The amended and revised Ordinance 20 will be known as Ordinance 20-B.
Let’s take a look at some of the key provisions of the new ordinance and how they will impact short-term vacation rental businesses in Summit County.
Who Can Run a Short-Term Vacation Rental Business?
In order to operate a short-term vacation rental business in Summit County, you must first obtain a business license from the Planning Department. You will also need to have a valid Certificate of Compliance from the Fire Department and a current Certificate of Insurance.
In order to receive a license, owners must submit an application that includes the proper information for owners and responsible agents. You will need to submit proof of insurance, a business plan, and an occupancy permit. You will also need to provide a list of all owners of the property as well as their contact information.
The Planning Department will review your application to ensure that you meet all of the requirements and that your business complies with the ordinance. Once your application is approved, you will be issued a business license.
Who Handles Licensing for Short-Term Rentals in Summit County?
The Summit County Planning Department is responsible for processing license applications and ensuring that businesses comply with the ordinance.
The department will review each application to make sure that all of the required information is included. They will also verify that the business is in compliance with the ordinance. If everything looks good, the department will issue a business license.
Updates to Booking Requirements
A short-term vacation rental property cannot be rented to more than one booking party at a time, and all advertising for such property must include the Summit County short-term vacation rental license number. Additionally, the advertising must include information about the occupancy and parking limitations of the property.
By ensuring that only one party can rent the property at a time and that all advertising includes the Summit County short-term vacation rental license number, it will be easier to track and enforce compliance with the rules and regulations governing short-term vacation rentals in Summit County.
Additionally, by including information about occupancy and parking limitations in the advertising, potential renters will be able to make more informed decisions about whether or not a particular property is right for them.
A Responsible Agent is Required
Per the new Summit County Vacation Rental Ordinance, each owner of a short-term vacation rental Property in Summit County must designate a person or company to serve as the responsible agent. The Responsible Agent is required to be available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, to respond to complaints, issues of concern, and violations related to this Ordinance.
In the event of a fire ban within Summit County, the Responsible Agent is required to notify renters of the current fire restrictions and provide renters with instructions on how to access the Summit County Alert System for real-time emergency information during their stay.
The owner must notify the Planning Department in writing of any modification to the Responsible Agent appointment within five (5) days of any such modification. This ensures that the county has accurate contact information for the designated Responsible Agent at all times.
Are There Fines For Violating The New Ordinance?
To help ensure that the new short-term vacation rental regulations are followed, the ordinance includes a section on penalties and fines.
Any person or business found to be in violation of any provision of the Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor offense and, upon conviction, may be subject to a three-tier fine level:
- 1st Violation: $250
- 2nd Violation: $750
- 3rd Violation: $1,00
Those who continue to violate the ordinance after receiving a third-tier fine may be subject to further penalties, including revocation of their STR business license.
By implementing these fines, the county hopes to deter violators and ensure that the ordinance is followed.
What This Means For You
So what do the new regulations in Summit County mean for you if you own a short-term vacation rental property?
It is important to note that, while the regulations may seem daunting at first, they are actually designed to make it easier for businesses to operate in compliance with the ordinance. The county has provided clear instructions on how to apply for a license and what information needs to be included in advertising.
Additionally, the new Responsible Agent requirement will help to ensure that someone is always available to address any concerns that may arise during a renter’s stay.
Finally, the penalties and fines associated with violating the ordinance should deter anyone from trying to operate outside of the law.
Overall, the new regulations in Summit County are designed to protect public health, safety, and welfare while still allowing businesses to operate legally. By following the instructions and guidelines set forth in the ordinance, you can help to ensure that your business is in compliance.
If you have any questions about the new short-term vacation rental regulations in Summit County, or if you need help applying for a license, visit the Summit County Planning Department website. If you are looking to buy a home here in Summit County- I am here to help!