Public opinions regarding short-term rentals (STRs) and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) took center-stage at the Beaufort Planning Commission meeting on Monday, August 18th. Almost a dozen city residents showed up to share personal stories, concerns for their neighborhood, and ideas for reform. While perspectives varied, there was one common thought: Beaufort’s current code isn’t working, and something needs to be done.
Mike Tomy, Chair, opened the discussion by emphasizing that the Planning Commission has “no preconceived ideas about how we want to modify the code at this point,” and that feedback from citizens will be the first step in building their recommendation. The Planning Commission’s role is to provide these recommendations to the City Council, who will ultimately decide on code and ordinance changes.
The residents who spoke came from only a handful of neighborhoods, but their words represent the sentiments of citizens across the city. They agreed that Beaufort’s STR and ADU policies need revision, but were divided on how strict the changes should be. While some fear it will lead us down a path of runaway growth and destroy infrastructure, others believe STRs and ADUs are essential to Beaufort neighborhoods and families.
The majority of concerns given during public comment had to do with the overabundance of short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units in residential neighborhoods. “Did I jump from the frying pan into the skillet?” asked Felice LaMarca, who moved to the city from Hilton Head after it was overrun with short-term rentals. Daniel Blackmon shared a similar sentiment, stating that one resident can see between five and eight STRs from their home in the Northwest Quadrant. “It’s been eight years,” said Blackmon in regards to the City Code, “it’s time to reassess.”
The other hand of the discussion focused on the positive impacts that STRs and ADUs bring to property owners and the community. “Its important to us that we impact the community in a good way,” said Eve Flemming, noting the meticulous work put into ensuring their STR’s benefits extend beyond the property line. For many owners, operating a short-term rental is an essential form of income for their family. They pay more in taxes than average homeowners, and for some, these properties increase the value and appeal of the entire neighborhood.
Additional feedback reflected a difference in how the public views the owner(s) of the property; whether it was an investor or an individual, and whether or not the owner was living on the premises. “We are not in favor of a residential home being bought or built by an investor with the sole purpose of adding two ADUs and renting all three with no owner on premises”, said Frances Ackerman, referencing a petition with 247 signatures from the Pigeon Point neighborhood. Many residents could agree that future code changes should still support individuals and families, but respect the character of the neighborhood and the people that live there.
Potential ideas for reform ranged from implementing stricter rules, ensuring applications are non-transferable, and enforcing a sunset on approved applications. Daniel Blackmon put it simply when he said, “Stick to the 6%, and don’t have exemptions from that– if there are exemptions, have it come before the Planning Commission.” Former member of the Planning Commission, Paul Trask, urged the Commission to recommend enforcing a cap on the number of STRs in areas like Mossy Oaks and Royal Oaks, which haven’t had a cap. Other residents, like Jill Rubin, recommended limiting each parcel to only one ADU, and adding a waitlist for rental applications.
The Commissioners were attentive and inquisitive throughout the meeting, and thanked the public for their detailed insight that will drive the Commission’s upcoming recommendation to City Council. “We’re having this (meeting) because we know there are problems with the current ordinance,” said Commission Chair Mike Tomy. “We see the changes that are happening, and so we need to be careful and address the changes.”
The Beaufort Planning Commission is welcoming all public feedback regarding short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units– so reach out, attend upcoming meetings, and share your thoughts to make a difference. The next Beaufort Planning Commission meeting will be held Monday, September 15th, at 5:00pm.
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