One of the issues that has generated a lot of discussion over the past year is the rise of short-term rentals (STRs), homes and rooms rented out on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, and how they fit into the fabric of our neighborhoods. At the upcoming council meeting, I will be announcing the formation of a special Ad Hoc Committee on Short-Term Rentals to take a deep dive into this issue.
As Chairman of Council, I have the ability to create short-term (or “ad hoc”) committees when a focused, time-bound effort is needed. Several members of council reached out to me with this excellent idea, and I am grateful for their willingness to step up and serve. This committee will give us a chance to slow down, study the facts, hear from the public, and craft thoughtful recommendations that work for all of Greenville County.
What the Committee Will Do
The committee’s job will be to look at short-term rentals from every angle and bring back a set of recommendations, and, if appropriate, draft ordinances, for full council to consider. Their areas of focus will likely include:
- Current Conditions: Reviewing county ordinances, zoning rules, complaint data, and enforcement practices to understand what is working and where gaps exist.
- Policy Development: Exploring frameworks for registration or permitting, occupancy limits, life-safety standards, compliance and enforcement processes, and even potential revocation mechanisms for repeat violators.
- Legal & Constitutional Considerations: Making sure any policy respects vested property rights, Fair Housing and ADA requirements, and is legally defensible.
- Fiscal & Administrative Impact: Identifying what resources would be needed to administer and enforce any policies, and whether funding sources exist to support them.
The committee will hold an organizational meeting at it’s first meeting, to finalize its scope and set its priorities. After that, the group will have up to 120 days to do its work, with meetings noticed publicly and open to all.
A Commitment to a Collaborative and Public Process
This effort is about getting the balance right, respecting property owners’ rights while also protecting neighborhoods and ensuring fair enforcement.
I’m grateful to these members for agreeing to serve on this important committee, and I look forward to seeing their recommendations. This is a chance for Greenville County to get ahead of an issue that many communities across the country are grappling with, and to do it the right way, with public input and a clear, legally sound path forward.
