City Council approves short-term rental ordinance
City Council February 23, 2022
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.
City Council to take action on short-term rental ordinance
City Council February 18, 2022
GILMER, Ga. — The Ellijay City Council will meet on Feb. 21, 2022 to take action on an ordinance amendment that would set new guidelines for short-term rental units within Ellijay city limits. If the council approves the amendment, Chapter 60 will be added to Ellijay’s Code of Ordinances.
Short-term rental units are defined within the proposed chapter as “any detached, attached or semi-attached structure now or formerly used as a single-family dwelling, or the renting or leasing of a part or all of any structure not operating as a hotel, bed and breakfast, motel or inn where the term of occupancy for purposes of lodging, possession of tenancy is for a period of less than 30 days.”
Chapter 60 would prohibit short-term rental units in residential zoning districts. However, some exceptions are noted in the document. One is an exception for existing properties. After June 30, 2022 chapter 60 would also require property owners to receive any necessary permits and licenses to continue short-term rental use. Another exception would allow property owners to apply for conditional use permits if their residential properties “could be suitable as short-term rental units and would have no negative impact on the neighboring properties.” Only properties that border or are adjacent to the Central Business District would be considered for the permit, chapter 60 notes. However, if a property is given a conditional use permit, previously ineligible properties on the same street would become eligible as well. The latter exception would give other property owners, within 500 feet of the applicant’s property, an opportunity to object to the permit application.
Chapter 60 would implement a requirement for short-term rental licenses at a cost of $1,000 annually. The application for the license includes a requirement that the “name, address and telephone number(s) of the local contact person shall be submitted to the City Clerk, the City of Ellijay Police Department, the City of Ellijay Fire Department, and to the property owners located within a 500-foot radius of the property.”
Chapter 60 also specifies the plan for enforcement of the new regulations. The penalties for code violations include license suspension and fines of up to $1,000.