Proposed code for short-term rentals includes most dwellings

All styles of residences in Old Hilliard qualify as potential sites for short-term rentals and bed-and-breakfast inns, according to a proposed change to city code.

Hilliard City Council members are expected to consider a second and final reading of an ordinance, coupled with a public hearing, at 7 p.m. June 13 at the Hilliard Municipal Building, 3800 Municipal Way.

If passed, the ordinance would allow all residences of at least 800 square feet to be eligible as host sites for short-term rental and bed-and-breakfast inns.

The proposal originally limited eligibility to single-family residences in the Old Hilliard district, but City Council May 23, during the introduction and first reading of the ordinance, unanimously amended the ordinance to expand the eligible sites to all residences in the Old Hilliard district.

Prior to the action, City Manager Michelle Crandall suggested that City Council could make the amendment to circumvent doing so later as the Old Hilliard district transitions toward a more mixed-use area with a wider variety of housing styles.

The proposal to allow short-term rentals and bed-and-breakfast inns in the Old Hilliard district arrived to City Council with a positive recommendation from the city’s planning and zoning commission.

Commission members May 12 unanimously recommended that City Council amend the city code to add “short-term rental” and “bed-and-breakfast inns” as permitted uses in the Old Hilliard mixed-use district and the Old Hilliard residential district, and to add associated development standards.

The text originally called for buildings of at least 1,500 square feet to be eligible for short-term rental and bedand-breakfast status, but commission members reduced the required square footage for such status to 800 square feet, according to David Ball, director of community outreach for Hilliard.

During City Council discussion May 23, Councilwoman Cynthia Vermillion suggested that any property owner who desires to use residences as a bed-andbreakfast inn or short-term rental be required to register with the city.

But Crandall indicated the city could just as easily monitor uses via websites used to advertise the listings and would investigate any complaints, rather than devoting the city’s resources.

After the meeting, Vermillion said while she still sees a need to a registry, she did not make a motion to do so “because it was clear I didn’t have the support for it.”

If the measure passes June 13, purposefully developed sites could be available as soon as early July.

Andy Warnock, chief executive officer of The Westwood Collective, said his company has identified three potential sites – two on Main Street and one on Norwich Street – as potential Airbnb sites.

The locations are intended to be quaint, he explained.

“(These are) not a party pad, but rather a high-end, distinctively furnished home that provides a unique experience to our guests. We will stock local beer, local coffee and local desserts, and offer an entertainment guide to all Hilliard has to offer,” Warnock said.

“We will use Airbnb heavily, but not exclusively. VRBO is another site and we will do some self-marketing outside of the national platforms.”

He said it is an important distinction as Airbnb and bed-and-breakfast inns are not the same.

An Airbnb is a lightly regulated home-sharing site, while bed-andbreakfast inns are subject to state and local lodging laws, just like a large hotel chain, according to Warnock.

But some Norwich Street residents see it differently.

“It is inviting unsavory characters,” Colin Knell, a Norwich Street resident told Thisweek News May 23.

“This is our neighborhood and our homes and we do not want it on our street,” Knell said.

Knell said he is not opposed to a bed-and-breakfast inn, but draws the line at property that operates as shortterm rentals, particularly those known as an Airbnb.

Hayden Kimes, 31, grew up on Norwich Street and moved back to Norwich Street two years ago.

Kimes has a 2-year-old daughter and said he would prefer “not to see a Norwich Street pub crawl.”

“We have a residential heart,” Kimes said.

Knell and Kimes each said they, with others, plan to attend the ordinance’s public hearing June 13 to express their concerns.

City officials maintain such amenities are to benefit the Old Hilliard district and do not foresee such problems.

In his auspice as acting director of Destination Hilliard, Ball said such amenities would add to the vibrancy of Old Hilliard, which has been a focus for revitalization for the city.

“Having this type of accommodation for visitors is one more feature that adds to the vibrancy of the downtown area, which has been a focus for redevelopment and revitalization for the city. We know that a healthy downtown benefits the entire community, because it draws visitors to Hilliard who will spend their money in local businesses and adds to the quality of life for our residents,” Ball said.

Hilliard’s Station Park hosts a weekly summer concert series during the city’s DORA, which this year expanded to seven days a week.

Many new businesses, including Center Street Market, Hilliard Station Baking Company and Sextons Pizza, opened in the last few years and could bring in visitors to spend money locally in the city.

Libby Gierach, president and CEO of the Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce, also welcomes the concept.

“Old Hilliard is the hub of Hilliard and people want to be part of this energized area. Having short-term rentals and bed-and-breakfast inns makes Hilliard a more desirable place for visitors to experience all that Hilliard has to offer, not only in Old Hilliard, but in the other areas in our city as well,” Gierach said. kcorvo@thisweeknews.com @Thisweekcorvo