Short-term rentals hearing in Madison now set for June 22

The City of Madison will host a public hearing on the future of short-term rentals within the city limits. In March, the city urged residents to fill out a poll that reflected opinions on STR’s, and the June 22 hearing addresses those concerns and lays out a city proposal regarding the issue.

Currently STR’s are not permitted in Madison.

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Short-term rentals in Madison

While short-term rentals are currently not permitted in the City of Madison, many are already operating through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. A short-term rental is defined as a residential unit rented for fewer than 180 consecutive days.

An ordinance proposed by the city would establish a regulatory framework for STRs, including:

• A cap of 190 permitted units citywide or approximately 0.75% of Madison’s total housing supply
• Permits would be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Each STR operator would be required to obtain both an STR Permit and a business license for every unit.
• Annual renewal would depend on passing inspections and resolving any complaints or violations.

The ordinance would also require notification to adjacent property owners. Notices would include the name of the STR, contact information for the owner and designated local contact person, a link to the City’s STR regulations and the maximum approved occupancy for the property.

Additional proposed regulations include:

• Prohibiting events such as parties, concerts, weddings and other large gatherings 
• Prohibiting the use of recreational vehicles as STRs 
• Requiring smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors 
• Requiring fire extinguishers 
• Requiring a local contact person to be available 24/7 and able to respond within 30 minutes of notification by the City 

The ordinance also outlines an enforcement process for repeated violations. Three substantiated complaints within a 12-month period would result in a six-month suspension of the STR Permit. A second suspension within two years would result in a one-year suspension, while a third suspension within three years would lead to permanent revocation of the permit.

Read the proposed STR ordinance here.

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