Council to mull short-term rental rules

For the better part of a decade, Las Vegas Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian has wanted new rules governing short-term residential rentals in the city.

That might come Wednesday, when the City Council is slated to vote on an ordinance that would give the city more oversight and create a more rigorous approval process for where short-term residential rentals can go.

“I don’t want to go through another three or four years of them saying they’ll police themselves, when in the past they’ve done zero. Zip,” Tarkanian said.

One of the proposal’s most controversial parts, a requirement that operators obtain a special-use permit

RENTAL

from the city, is what Tarkanian sees as the most necessary. The rules also call for proof of liability insurance coverage for at least $500,000 and a placard displayed on the exterior of each rental unit with 24-hour contact information. Short-term rentals would not be permitted within 660 feet of one another.

An ordinance was proposed but failed in 2007 that would have banned the renting of homes or condominiums for 30 days or fewer.

An hourslong public hearing last month on the proposal drew complaints from both sides. Some said the new rules are onerous; others think they are not strong enough.

Scotch Eighty resident Kathryn Fox said she used to stay at short-term

Morgan Lieberman Las Vegas Review-journal A “Don’t Motel My Neighborhood” sign on Shadow Lane in Las Vegas on Wednesday. The Las Vegas City Council will discuss the controversial issue of shortterm rentals this week, including a possible vote on a regulatory ordinance.