ROCKLAND, Maine — The City Council postponed a preliminary vote on a package of short-term vacation rental regulations Wednesday night in the face of numerous changes to the proposed ordinance.
Mayor Frank Isganitis recused himself from the debate and future votes in response to concerns by some residents about his participation in the proceedings as an owner of a bed and breakfast. Some bed and breakfast owners have called for regulation of the short-term rentals, saying it would create a level playing field.
The council considered approving short-term rental regulations in March and in July. Both times, councilors agreed to hold off on a vote to conduct further discussion in the wake of concerns by residents who rent out rooms and homes.
Councilors will take up the issue again on Nov. 9.
Ed Hantz, owner of the Old Granite Inn, said that short-term rentals should be regulated since other lodging businesses are regulated.
Cheryl Michaelsen of the Berry Manor Inn said that the majority of short-term vacation rentals are being rented out by people who do not live in Rockland. She said that the regulations would offer protection to residential areas.
Ellen Barnes warned that there would be problems if short-term rentals were not regulated.
“You don’t want to let that genie get out of the bottle,” Barnes said.
Steve Carroll of Rockland, however, said more regulations were not needed. He said the council was like a bulldog and would not give up on an issue.
“This is more of a solution looking for a problem,” Carroll said.
The regulations would require homeowners to apply to the city and an inspection by the code office would be done before the issuance of a permit. There would be a cost for the annual permit, but that has not yet been set.
The homeowner would have to provide proof of insurance.
People who do not live in the home who want to rent out rooms or a unit in a duplex for less than a week would have to go before the city’s planning board for approval.