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18 <br /> The Short Term Rental Industry is a threat to the local rental market and to traditional hotels as <br /> well. <br /> A coordinated group of hotels, Chapel Hill/Carrboro Chamber members and various tourism <br /> leaders are working to develop a policy recommendation to the Town of Chapel Hill and the <br /> Town of Carrboro. We would like to share that recommendation to the BOCC and county staff <br /> as soon as it is completed. We anticipate finishing our draft very soon. <br /> It's important to note that this group doesn't oppose "true home sharing,"— a traditional dwelling <br /> attached to a main home, for instance. Rather it objects to rental property used exclusively for <br /> short-term stays. <br /> We understand this issue is a divisive issue for many communities. There are persuasive <br /> arguments on both sides. While some celebrate the additional income for residents as a boon to <br /> the local economy, others fear the degradation of their neighborhoods and lack of affordable <br /> housing. <br /> In summary, we hope our elected boards will recognize that hotels employ dozens of local <br /> workers to provide housekeeping, reception, concierge services, kitchen-hands. Without them, <br /> the entire industry would grind to a halt. <br /> Providing local workers with jobs is critically important; providing visitors with safe places to stay <br /> is equally important. And working together as a county to support a level playing field is an <br /> ethos that Orange County has always worked to achieve. <br /> Thank you for considering modifying this text amendment to Short Term Rentals. <br /> Chair Rich said it is very different in the towns versus the County, and she is fine with <br /> the way it is written in the ordinance and it covers what Anthony Carey is saying. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin asked John Roberts to clarify if AirBnBs can be <br /> regulated/restricted. <br /> John Roberts said he sent a memo on how to regulate them. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said the provision in the UDO basically prohibits them if the host <br /> does not live at the property. <br /> Chair Rich asked if there are only specific areas in Orange County where an AirBnB can <br /> exist. <br /> Michael Harvey said that is correct. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin asked if this is enforceable. <br /> Michael Harvey said by report, which staff investigates. <br /> John Roberts said there are three ways to regulate this use: 1.) through zoning; 2.) <br /> operational (parking, insurance, inspections, etc.); 3.) quantitative restrictions (caps on the <br /> number of uses within the zone, distance from each other, etc.). He said this is a geographical <br /> restriction. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said this is the only one that would not require advance <br /> registration. <br /> John Roberts said yes. <br /> Laurie Paolicelli, Visitors Bureau (VB) Director, said the subject of short-term rentals has <br /> exploded, and the VB has developed a subcommittee to study it. She said, in summary, the <br /> short-term rental industry in Orange County has exploded, generating $9 million. She said the <br /> biggest issue is the short-term rental of non-occupied units being listed as a hotel <br /> accommodation. She said there is no oversight to short term rentals, and there are concerns <br /> about safety. She said it is also affecting the affordable rental inventory. She said AirBnB is not <br />