Short-Term Rental Regulations in Colrain: Public Input Session
The proposed updates to zoning bylaws in Colrain for short-term residential rentals. Consider the impacts on neighborhoods, affordable housing, and public health/safety while outlining zoning regulations and permitting processes.
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Presentation Transcript
Short Term Residential Rentals Colrain Public Input Session December 1, 2021
We have three goals for this project: To update our town zoning bylaws to make a clear permitting process and reduce points of conflict or confusion. To allow for Short Term Residential Rentals in our town while minimizing potential impacts to neighbors and preserving our rural character. To protect public health and safety.
Planning Considerations for Short Term Residential Rentals What impacts can they have on neighborhoods (e.g. traffic, noise, parking, lighting)? What impact could short term rentals have on our town s affordable housing supply (e.g. vacancy rates)? Are there places in town that are incompatible with short term residential rentals? Should short term residential rentals be owner occupied? What size is appropriate for the neighborhood? (e.g. 4 rooms approximately 8 guests & 4 cars) What are the Public Health & Safety Impacts (e.g. Board of Health Regulations and Building Code requirements)?
Zoning Bylaws and Short Term Rentals Short Term Residential Rentals include Bed & Breakfasts, AirBnBs, VRBO s, etc. which are rented for a period of less than 30 days. Our Zoning Bylaw can specify whether they are: Allowed By-Right (Y) in certain zoning districts. Allowed with Site Plan Review (SPR) and approval by the Planning Board in certain zoning districts Allowed by Special Permit (SP) in certain zoning districts if a SP is granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals Prohibited in certain districts (N)
Example of a Use Table: Village Districts Rural District Commercial - Industrial Districts SPR N SP Use Hotels Motels Inns SPR SP SPR N N SP Short Term Residential Rentals including Bed and Breakfasts, Air BnB s, VRBO, etc. (1-2 rooms owner occupied) Short Term Residential Rentals including Bed and Breakfasts, Air BnB s, VRBO, etc. (3-6 rooms owner occupied) Short Term Residential Rental (entire dwelling unit - non owner occupied)
Zoning Bylaw Amendments Some communities add a section to their Zoning Bylaw that spells out the permitting process and conditions for Short Term Residential Rentals Whately - ~171-22. Short-term rentals in Accessory Apartments, and Single-family, Two-family & Multifamily dwellings [Amended ATM 4-30-2019 Art. 35] The stated purpose of the bylaw is to allow for short-term rentals while ensuring public safety, preventing possible nuisances for abutters, and preserving the rural character of the town Rentals for a period of less than 30 days may be allowed in residential units under a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals subject to specific conditions (e.g. on-site parking, noise restrictions, etc.) Such rentals must comply with all applicable Board of Health regulations
We would like your input on these questions How should Short Term Residential Rentals fit into the Town of Colrain? What changes to our zoning bylaws do you think Town Meeting should adopt?
Possible Next Steps Prepare Zoning Bylaw changes based on Public Input Hold a Public Hearing on the potential changes in accordance with Chapter 40A the Zoning Act Present zoning bylaw changes to Town Meeting for a Vote (requires a 2/3 s vote of approval to be adopted)
