As the popularity of vacation rentals rises, Milton officials are working to address the issue before it grows out of control.
Getting Ahead of Airbnb and Vrbo Growth
Milton Town Council is calling for more detailed analysis of short-term rental regulations in the downtown area.
During its April 7th meeting, council accepted a preliminary advisory report from the planning and zoning commission but asked for further work on the matter.
The next opportunity for the commission to revisit the issue will be May 20th, as it was not included in the April 22nd meeting.
What’s in the Proposal So Far
The commission’s current draft draws heavily from similar ordinances in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.
Highlights include:
- Short-term rentals defined as properties rented for 30 days or fewer
- Occupancy limits set at two people per bedroom, excluding children under 6
- A local contact person must be available 24/7 and present on-site within one hour
- No commercial events or public gatherings allowed
- Renters must receive a town-issued good neighbor brochure
- Ads must list occupancy limits, event bans, and parking rules
- Licenses can be revoked after three violations, with a one-year wait for reapplication
Council Wants a More Comprehensive Strategy
Some council members voiced concerns about missing elements in the proposal:
- Councilman Scotty Edler noted the need to prevent entire blocks downtown from turning into vacation rentals and questioned the lack of discussion around long-term rentals.
- Vice Mayor Lee Revis-Plank suggested a fee structure to help cover administrative costs and pointed out that unpaved parking wasn’t addressed.
- Councilman Robert Gray called for a more holistic approach aligned with Milton’s long-term development goals.
The consensus was clear, while the town appreciates the commission’s initial work, more must be done to ensure rental rules are both effective and future-focused.
Your Voice Matters
Milton is still shaping its path on short-term rentals, and public input is essential.
Have thoughts on how vacation rentals should be handled in town? Share your perspective and stay connected with the blog for updates.
Source: Cape Gazette