BOISE, Idaho (CBS 2) — The City of Boise announced a series of amendments Thursday that aim to regulate short-term rentals housing following complaints from neighborhoods and communities.
If you are like many in Boise, then you know a house in your neighborhood that is solely rented through apps like Airbnb.
The city announced new amendments after many concerns came in from Boise communities and homeowners regarding this trend.
Boiseans are worried that a growing rate of short-term rentals will further affordable housing issues the city is already dealing with.
Concerns also include negative impacts on the character of neighborhoods, noise, parking, increased traffic, and a reduction in the number of available housing units that might otherwise be available for a long-term rental or possibly ownership.
In response to these concerns, four amendments were created.
All new short-term rental units need to be approved through the city. Only one short-term unit would be allowed on a property. And, the property must be up to code including parking, setbacks and open space.
But, seemingly the most important is the owner must live at the property as well; cutting out buying property solely to set up a short-term rental.
Anyone wanting to own a short-term rental would need an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Another building on the property that is built for short-term rental.
ADUs can be attached, detached, converted basements, or converted garages.
"In addressing community members’ concerns and balancing limitations of State Law, the proposed amendment would allow only one short term rental unit per conforming, taxable parcel in residential zones," the City of Boise press release reads. "Other zones that allow or conditionally allow residential uses, such as office or commercial zones, would be allowed to operate short-term rentals."
If you would like to share your thoughts you can visit the City of Boise website here.
There are groups in Boise committed to representing community housing concerns.
For more information from the City of Boise visit here.
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