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Huntsville General Committee approved amendments to the Short-Term Rentals By-law, in the January 29, 2025, meeting.

According to the staff report, public concerns warranted changes that reflect greater clarity to users in areas such as the applications process, advertising restrictions, and reinspection for license processes.

The report indicates that some of the changes affect requirements in sections such as definitions, application, appeals, and inspections, as follows:

• Dormant applications will be rejected if not fully completed after 4 months of the submission date.
• Appeals regarding decisions of the Licencing department for issues such as refusal to issue, renew, revoke, or suspend a license, or impose terms of conditions, will be heard by the Committee.
• Acceptance of a license doesn’t mean the application has been approved or mean the Town is obligated to issue it.
• Payments for on site reinspection fees must be completed prior to the inspection.
• The term “Bunkie” has been added to the definition section as one of the items not included in “Dwelling units.”
• “Accessory building or structure” is added as an item that is not included as a “Single Family Dwelling.”
• Licenses are prohibited from being altered.
• A License that’s already been issued cannot be reissued to another individual or property.
• Advertising the potential to discuss Occupants other than what’s permitted.

The report also indicates that the changes “reflect concerns with continuity between governing by-laws, internal processes and working relationships with other Town departments.”

It adds, “As this industry evolves and feedback is received, by-law changes will need to occur to ensure that the program remains current and reduces the municipality’s exposure to litigation measures for non-compliance.”

Chief Building Official, Christopher Nagy, explained that the changes reflected “housekeeping” to meet concerns raised regarding allowances in the program.