Planning Commission Moves Forward with Short-Term Rental Changes
The Athens Clarke County Planning Commission made significant strides on Thursday night, voting in favor of changes that will affect short-term rentals (STRs) in the area. The commission’s decision, with a vote of five to one, supports allowing STRs in multi-family developments located in both commercial and multi-family zones.
In a notable shift, the Planning Commission also decided to eliminate the requirement for a special use permit for commercial STRs. This change aims to streamline the process for establishing new short-term rentals, providing more clarity and accessibility for interested parties.
Commission member Mathew Hall expressed optimism about the decision, stating, “With these text ordinances, by eliminating the special use permit process for RM zones, we’re cutting off a supply of new short-term rentals (or a method to which you seek approval of a new short-term rental). But also we’re clarifying some things about in commercial zones and in home occupation and that will provide a pathway for people to make new short-term rentals who want to do so…”
The commission’s recommendation will now proceed to the Mayor and Commission for final approval, marking the next step in the potential transformation of the STR landscape in Athens Clarke County.
