This Land Development Code amendment is proposing to allow short-term rentals on a limited basis within all residential zoning districts; provided, there is one booking at a time, and that the resident is on-site to "host" guests.  These uses are to be accessory uses to a primary residential use - therefore, the entire unit cannot be rented out as a short-term rental.  Short-term rentals typically are visitor accommodations that are booked on various on-line platforms, like AirBnB and others, typically in individual residential units.

The Land Development Code's accessory use Section in Chapter 58 is proposed for an amendment to incorporate these requirements, which includes a registration process via planning official determination; a subordinate area or number of bedrooms will only be allowed in residential zoning districts to control their negative secondary effects.  In other words, the entire unit cannot be rented out as a short-term rental, nor a majority of bedrooms on the site.  The property owner or tenant (if approved by notarized permission of the property owner) must be present when hosting guests from only a single party.

This ordinance will "sunrise" and become effective at a later date, July 1, 2018, in order for the City to prepare the on-line registration platform, pro-active enforcement and public education campaigns to ensure compliance with the new regulations.  Previously, this item was recommended for approval by the Municipal Planning Board at its November 2017 meeting, the minutes of which were accepted by the City Council at the December 11, 2017 City Council meeting.  The first reading/hearing of this ordinance occurred on January 22, 2018; modifications in the ordinance from first reading include allowing owner occupied duplexes to rent the entire second unit if it is equal or lessor in size on the same development site, at the suggestion of the Council.

This item was advertised for hearing in the January 30, 2018 Orlando Sentinel.