SPARTANBURG, SC (WSPA) – The city of Spartanburg is clarifying restrictions on short-term rentals. City officials said short-term rentals are not permitted in neighborhoods.
“I think that seems a little strange to me,” said Daniel Ross, owner of an Airbnb in Spartanburg.
Spartanburg City Council met Monday night to discuss the city’s short-term rental policy. It is defined as rentals available for less than 30 days.
City communications director Chris George said the city’s policy was unclear and didn’t specify things like Airbnb or Vrbo. He said they were hearing complaints from some residents about parties and increased traffic around properties they believe are being rented out that way.
“We would say the same thing we have been saying for months. What is the code, as we interpret it, prohibits Airbnb or any short-term rentals,” George said.
The city council voted 4 to 3 at the meeting to clarify the policy. Councilwoman Meghan Smith was one of four to vote in favour.
“We don’t allow hotels or motels to exist in our residential areas and Airbnb, Vrbo are basically commercial properties,” Smith said.
Smith said she wanted to make sure Spartanburg’s quarters remained consistent. She said if you currently have a short-term rental in a residential area, tell the city.
“Tell us about what you’re doing and how we can learn from you as we look forward to bringing forward more regulations on short-term rentals,” Smith said.
Councilwoman Erica Brown voted against.
“I think there’s a way to find common ground in that, but I just didn’t feel comfortable rushing that vote,” Brown said.
She said the council needs to be thoughtful in this decision.
“How they market their properties. To make sure they understand what the expectations are,” she said.
Daniel Ross has an Airbnb in Hampton Heights since 2017.
“It took a lot of work to get this property to where it needed to be, to invest in it, to make it Airbnb ready. So that’s definitely going to impact me financially,” Ross said.
He said he felt that decision came out of left field.
“I’m a little frustrated about it, to be honest. But at the same time, I know the city has to do what it has to do,” he said.
If you wish to make your point of view heard on this subject, the municipal council will discuss it at its meeting on February 14.
Municipal authorities are also encouraging residents to contact them in the event of a problem. They also said this policy clarification is part of the city’s larger overall plan that is expected to be discussed this spring.
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