In a move to regulate the burgeoning short-term rental market, the city of Georgetown is introducing a permit system for property owners using platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo. The new ordinance, which takes effect on November 1, requires owners to register with the city, adhere to city ordinances, and pay an annual fee, among other requirements. According to KVUE, city leaders indicate this move is designed to maintain neighborhood quality and facilitate better communication between the city and property owners.
Georgetown's Downtown & Tourism Director, Kim McAuliffe, expressed the city's goal to align the influx of short-term rentals with the local community's interests. "[We want] to make sure we are continuing to keep that quality character in our neighbor ... Maintain that quality of life for our residents," McAuliffe told KVUE. The ordinance also has a financial aspect, as the city anticipates collecting $600,000 in hotel occupancy tax revenue in the first year. Additionally, some local property owners like Terry Dittmar, who has been renting out a property for seven years, see the new rule as an inevitable step given the area's growth.
The program will allow the city to keep a tighter reign on the short-term rentals within the community. Specifics of the registration process include providing contact information accessible 24/7 and acknowledging city ordinances. As per the details obtained by FOX7 Austin, McAuliffe described the program as "a low barrier to entry" effort, focusing on minimal compliance to ease the process for property owners. Those registering between November 1 and December 31 will have their fees waived for the first year.
The new ordinance also requires that neighbors within 200 feet be notified about rental properties in their vicinity, a safeguard welcomed by residents who do not necessarily oppose short-term rentals but desire proper regulation and oversight. Jim Totton, for instance, doesn't mind the new notification requirement as long as there are suitable regulations on short-term rentals. "I don't think I need to be notified as long as there is the right kind of regulations for things that are required of people that are renting their facilities," Totton told FOX7 Austin. With these rules, the city aims to preserve the character of Georgetown neighborhoods while accommodating its growing popularity among tourists.
