The City of Carmel has clamped down on short-term rental violations, sealing an agreement with Vacation Homes LLC and its owner, Serena Burkard, to cease their listings within city limits. The settlement, dated November 21, puts a hefty fine on any future breaches - a $5,000 daily charge per listing, with Vacation Homes LLC shouldering associated costs, as detailed in the City of Carmel official news release. This legal move follows a series of violations by the LLC for unlawfully operating a property on Singletree Court as a short-term rental, first noticed on March 21 and again on May 31, leading to a lawsuit filed by the city on July 11.
In what seems to be a hard stance to assure compliance, the city has sent a clear signal that it is going to actively enforce its Unified Development Ordinance against unauthorized short-term rentals. Residents are to remain vigilant and report any suspect properties, as the settlement agreement promises to quickly act upon any further violations. Carmel makes note that while rentals of 30 days or more don't require city clearance, anything shorter requires a special exception from the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals. This decision, as stated in the City of Carmel announcement, is set to firmly deter future infractions storing order in the residential rental landscape.
The settlement has effectively brought to an end the operations of Vacation Homes LLC within Carmel, specifically at the Singletree Court property, therefore addressing the concerns of illegal short-term rentals raised by the locals. This maneuver by the city aims to preserve the integrity of residential zones and ensure that local ordinances are met, providing an equilibrium in the community's housing dynamics, according to the City of Carmel release.
For those suspecting illegal short-term rental activity, the city urges prompt communication with city code enforcement. It is important to note that residents can legally rent out their homes for periods exceeding a month, yet anything shorter may likely conflict with city rules unless given the nod by a zoning hearing officer. The city's message is clear: it's set to continue to closely watch rental practices and maintain a tight grip on the enforcement of its regulations, as indicated in the recent settlement notice.
