TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV) – A controversial new ordinance could possibly be taking effect soon. It policing the property management of short term vacation rentals (STVRs) on the majority of the island.
The ordinance, originally proposed in February, would reduce the number of short-term rentals in residential districts.
The ordinance passed its first reading in a 4-1 vote May 31, and Tybee Island City Council will vote on its second reading this week.
It is stirring mixed opinions, especially from some STVR owners.
Richard Brown works in real estate, and owns an STVR property on the island.
“The taxes are so high down here, and also the cost of flood insurance,” says Brown, “I have to actually rent this house half the year to be able to stay here to afford the taxes and upkeep.”
He calls the ordinance unfair considering the way it will possibly affect home values and people’s livelihoods with taxes are increasing on the island and the ordinance prohibiting STVR owners to rent out properties to produce income.
“Eventually it’s going to affect home values because it’s going to reduce the amount of people who can afford to come down here and buy a house, because they have to rent it just to pay the taxes,” says Brown.
The second reading for the ordinance is Thursday, June 13 at the Tybee Island City Council meeting. It must pass two readings to become enacted.