Ashland Targets Short Term Rental Properties With New Ordinance

The Ashland City Council has passed an ordinance meant to place limits on short term rental properties with a growing unhoused population.

The new ordinance requires operators of short term rental properties to apply for a license through the city. It also requires the properties to meet the zoning code and parking requirements as well as establishing occupancy limits for guests. The properties will be allowed to accommodate two guests per bedroom plus one guest elsewhere. The property owner or manager is also required to be within 30 miles of the property at all times.

According to an Ashland Daily Press report, city officials say the main goal of the ordinance change is to protect residents living near short term rental properties. Under the parking requirements, the properties in residential areas must have ample space for guests to park on-site. Guests will not be allowed to park on the street.

The City of Eau Claire recently considered similar ordinance changes to target the growing unhoused population. Various areas in the region have struggled with a lack of housing stock, and the prevalence of short term rental properties has contributed to that issue. Officials hoped the change would discourage residents from operating the properties and open up more housing supply.

The City of Ashland has also struggled with a lack of affordable housing and a growing unhoused population. City officials are currently making plans on how to address encampments on city property when the weather warms up again. Under the proposed policy, city staff would be required to post a 24 hour warning at the encampments before cleaning out items left behind and holding them for 30 days.