Short-Term Rental Legislation Draft available for Public Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2016

For more information, please contact: Doris Sims, Housing and Neighborhood Development Director, 812-349-3401, or James Roach, Development Services Manager, Planning and Transportation Department, 812-349-3423.

Short-Term Rental Legislation Draft available for Public Comment

Bloomington, Ind - In an effort to ensure safe and habitable lodgings for those using short-term rentals commonly known as "Airbnbs," the City is proposing new rules for short-term rentals under Title 4 of the Bloomington Municipal Code.

The proposed legislation would require any residence or portion of a residence that is rented for a 30 day period of time or less to be inspected by the City's Housing and Neighborhood Development Department and permitted through the Planning and Transportation Department. As with traditional long-term rental inspections, electrical, heating and plumbing systems and appliance, smoke detector and window functionality will be included in the inspection, among other things. The permit will be valid for a period of two (2) years. Fines will be assessed for units operating as a short-term rental without a valid permit.

Copies of the draft legislation can be found on the City's website at www.bloomington.in.gov.

The City will hold a public forum on Tuesday, September 27, at 5:30 pm in the McCloskey Room of City Hall. City Staff will be present to provide an overview of the legislation, answer any questions and allow for public comment. The proposed legislation will be presented to the Common Council for consideration in October.

###