The North Fork town of Southold is stepping up the government clamp-down on short-term rentals.
The town board is proposing code changes to further restrict short-term rentals and improve enforcement of its rules, the Suffolk Times reported. More than 750 properties in Southold, which includes the village of Greenport, are listed on Airbnb and VRBO, according to AirDNA. A large percentage of houses in the town, which is east of Riverhead, are second homes.
The most significant change would be an increase in the 14-day minimum stay for renters, a rule not often followed or enforced. The town board is looking to more than double the minimum to 30 days. Other proposed changes include requiring advertising for short-term rental registrants and boosting fines for violations.
Town supervisor Scott Russell is calling for first offenses to face a fine of $3,000 to $5,000 and a second offense to trigger a three-year revocation on a homeowner’s rental permit. The 14-day minimum was adopted some years ago in response to complaints about loud weekend parties.
The proposed changes are drawing strong reactions from both sides of the Airbnb debate. Business owners who depend on tourism fear being harmed by the increased restrictions, given the relatively small number of lodging options on the North Fork.
Others, however, hope the changes would be a boon for local inns and bed-and-breakfasts.
Councilperson Sarah Nappa pointed to the possibility that some homeowners would stop trying their hand at short-term rentals and start looking at more long-term options, potentially improving the supply of rental stock — a problem throughout the East End — while they’re at it.
Southold has been looking to boost its affordable housing stock. This spring, the town board voted unanimously to eliminate a section of the town code that limited developments in affordable housing districts to 24 units.
The town board is scheduled to meet again on Wednesday. If it approves drafted changes to the code, a public hearing would follow.
Localities aren’t alone in trying to boost enforcement of short-term rental rules. In Suffolk County, artificial intelligence is being deployed in an effort to collect more short-term rental taxes.
— Holden Walter-Warner
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