Louisville – The Metro Council’s Public Safety Committee will hold a special meeting on Friday, June 19th at 11:00am to begin review and discussion of proposed regulations for short term rentals in Metro Louisville.
“I want to make sure we have a thorough discussion and that all parties involved have a chance to participate as we move forward,” says Councilman David Yates (D-25) who chairs the committee. “We want to ensure that Metro Louisville keeps up with technology and the changing economy but we must also consider our established businesses as well.”
In March, the Metro Council approved a resolution asking for the Metro Department of Planning & Design to draft regulations since none currently exist for this kind of operation.
The ordinance is sponsored by Council Members James Peden (R-23), Tom Owen (D-8), Bill Hollander (D-9) and David James (D-6)
“This began as an effort to legitimize the short term rental industry in Louisville, and it has become increasingly clear that this isn’t a small cottage industry. We need to ensure that as we continue to learn about this evolving business and craft a mechanism for oversight, that we do not overregulate this new and developing industry and instead work to embrace short term rentals in Louisville,” says Peden.
“We look forward to this first committee meeting on the proposed Short Term Rental ordinance. Many questions have been raised and we welcome comments from the public as we move forward in studying this issue. We are still at a very early stage in the process,” says Hollander.
“Short term residential rentals will bring more visitors to Louisville. Our challenge in adopting regulations for that new technology is to create fairness across the hospitality industry and to protect existing neighborhood life without throwing cold water on Airbnb,” says Owen.
“We will be diligent in our efforts to make sure this new venture has a chance to operate while being mindful of the other areas of the hospitality industry that contribute to the local economy,” says James.
Councilman Yates and the sponsors have been in discussion with several groups as this process begins including: Develop Louisville (Planning & Design), the Louisville Revenue Commission, Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as the constituents (operators) hosting these short term rentals.
The Public Safety Committee will meet in Council Chambers, 601 West Jefferson Street.
All Council meetings and committee meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Time Warner Cable Channel 25. You can also watch the meetings online by going to the Metro Council home page athttp://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk and click the “Watch Meetings Online” button.
