GILMER, Ga. — A short-term rental ordinance was passed by the Ellijay City Council on Monday Feb. 21. Ellijay City Hall was full with many attendees wanting to raise their questions and concerns over the ordinance.

The short-term rental ordinance, which has already been through two public readings, was on the agenda for a vote Monday evening. Several citizens came to the meeting to share their thoughts and most held unfavorable views on the ordinance. A common concern was the discrepancy between the ordinance’s regulation on short-term rentals and long term rentals. Some argued the ordinance is a solution to a non-existent issue, a violation of property rights, and even a threat to some citizens’ livelihoods. Others in attendance raised questions about the transparency of the council and updates to the city’s website.

The map provided at the meeting highlights the zoning of the Downtown Ellijay area.

In part, the ordinance will restrict short-term rentals to the Central Business District, although exceptions are noted. The ordinance would also allow neighboring property owners to object to conditional use permits, a provision that was also met with criticism at the meeting.

After hearing public comments Mayor Al Hoyle said, “I want to thank all of you for coming, and thank you for staying civil.” Councilman Tom Crawford spoke before the council voted on the ordinance. He stressed the importance of finding a balance between the input received from those against short-term rentals and those in favor of them: “We have to have an ordinance that will meet that happy medium.” Crawford also brought up a concern raised during public commentary, agreeing that a $1000 fee was “exorbitant” which resulted in a change to match similar fees. Another member of the council, Sandy Ott, responded to those who feel that long-term rentals create more issues than short-term rentals, “We have code enforcement. Let the city know about those issues so that we can be informed and something can be done about that. So, please let us know.” Before adjourning, Mayor Hoyle expressed the city’s interest in having a website administrator address the issues raised at the meeting.