Pinellas County Commissioners took a decisive step to regulate the burgeoning short-term rental market yesterday, unveiling a new ordinance aimed at preserving neighborhood tranquility and holding property owners accountable. The Pinellas County news release explains the ordinance brings forth a requirement for short-term rental owner/operators to obtain a Certificate of Use and adhere to specific safety, parking, and noise guidelines. This move comes as a response to an increase in complaints surrounding the impact of short-term rentals on residential areas.
Some residents had voiced concerns about short-term rentals, prompting the commission to modify the initial ordinance to now include stronger protections. Such protections, according to Pinellas County Commission Chair Brian Scott in a statement obtained by Pinellas County news, "addresses resident’s concerns by bringing greater accountability with the requirement of a Certificate of Use, compliance with minimum life safety standards, providing for increased code enforcement staff, and a mechanism for data collection allowing for evaluation of future updates."
Key elements of the ordinance stipulate occupancy limits, quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m., and parking requirements. Rental units are to accommodate no more than two guests per bedroom, plus two additional guests per common area, to a maximum of ten. Furthermore, parking must be provided off-street, in proportion to the number of guests. Compliance with these standards is critical not only to avoid fines but also to maintain amiable relationships between property owners and their neighbors.
Rental owners are to promptly begin applying for the Certificate of Use starting Monday, with varying deadlines depending on property zip codes. "Short-term rental owners can begin applying for their Certificate of Use starting March 31, and must apply by either May 31, June 30 or July 31, depending on the zip code of their rental property," reports the Pinellas County news. The ordinance will be put into action upon filing with the state, and enforcement will fall under the jurisdiction of the Code Enforcement division, supported by the Building division. An educational campaign to sensitize the approximate 2,200 short-term rental owners in unincorporated Pinellas County will also kick off immediately.
For the peace of mind of residents, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and a dedicated Short-Term Rental Hotline are available for lodging noise complaints, and a separate hotline and online service for other issues. Everything short-term rental operators need to know, including emergency contacts and local regulations, must be displayed prominently within the rental property, reiterating the county’s drive for transparency and adherence to the new ordinance.
