News Summary
Residents in Beaufort’s Mossy Oaks neighborhood are urging for stricter regulations on short-term rentals (STRs) due to disturbances and property neglect. Issues raised include loud parties, drug activities, and pest problems. Mayor Phil Cromer supports further discussions on implementing new rules, including a proposed ‘three strike policy’ for STR licenses. Amid concerns about clustering STRs, the community seeks to balance tourism benefits and neighborhood stability while focusing on oversight and property management plans.
Beaufort residents in the Mossy Oaks neighborhood have raised significant concerns regarding the increasing presence of short-term rentals (STRs) and the disruptive behavior of some renters. The community is advocating for stricter regulations after experiencing a rise in disturbances, including parties and neglected properties, along with an increase in pest issues such as rats and roaches.
During a recent city meeting, local residents shared their negative experiences related to STRs, prompting expressions of support from city officials, including Mayor Phil Cromer. The Mayor indicated that further discussions on implementing new regulations for STRs will be prioritized soon.
Under current regulations in Beaufort, there is a 6% cap on the number of properties that can operate as STRs, along with limitations on the number of guests allowed and parking restrictions. The city classifies an STR in various forms, including entire home rentals, single-room rentals, carriage houses, or accessory dwelling units rented for less than 30 days.
Mayor Cromer suggested the potential introduction of a “three strike policy,” akin to regulations in Charleston, which would allow for the revocation of STR licenses after three violations. This proposal is aimed at addressing the issues reported by concerned residents.
Currently, there are approximately 227 registered STRs in Beaufort, although this number may need updating as indicated by Finance Manager Alan Eisenman. Previously, it was estimated that as much as 33% of homes in the Mossy Oaks neighborhood were being utilized as STRs; this number has since decreased to around 18%.
Residents reported various disturbances linked to STRs, including loud parties, drug-related activities, and general property neglect, which have raised safety concerns within the community. Current regulations require all STR operators to maintain a property management plan and undergo inspections before obtaining a business license.
Unlicensed STRs face a substantial application fee of $1,000, which far exceeds the typical fee of $100. Additionally, properties that fail to apply for licensing within 60 days will encounter a two-year waiting period before being allowed to reapply for STR status.
Mayor Cromer has underscored specific worries regarding the clustering of STRs, suggesting that such developments could lead to “neighborless neighborhoods.” He aims to strike a balance between preserving tourism benefits and protecting the character and affordability of local housing.
As discussions surrounding STR regulations continue, comparisons are being made to regulations in other coastal communities like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, focusing on similar issues related to oversight, parking, and the wider impacts on community dynamics.
A follow-up work session is anticipated to further explore the challenges and potential solutions related to STRs in Beaufort, as residents seek to enhance neighborhood stability while accommodating the interests of property owners involved in short-term rentals.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort Residents Raise Concerns on STRs
- Post and Courier: Hilton Head Short-Term Rentals Update
- Your Island News: Port Royal Considers STR Moratorium
- Wikipedia: Short-term Rentals
- Google Search: Beaufort Short-Term Rentals
