The issue of how to handle short term rentals in White County has not been settled yet, but the White County Board of Commissioners this week spent more time in conversation about the matter.
As of Monday, there was a draft resolution on the table that was presented by John Sell, White County’s Community & Economic Development Director.
Among the questions still up in the air - where will short term rentals be allowed? Many homeowners attending Monday's work session, particularly those who live in subdivisions, said they don’t want them next to them.
"For me personally - this is me - if I was a sole commissioner I’d be very close to saying you cannot do it in subdivisions period, unless that subdivision's covenants allow it," said Commissioner Edwin Nix, drawing applause from the many attending the work session
Another issue is the procedure for licensing this type of business in the county.
Commission Chairman Travis Turner, speaking on WRWH radio Tuesday said the issue will have to be finalized pretty quickly.
"The folks are wanting more stricter guidelines in this particular area- and we recognize that - but how do we get there without creating a whole another level of government that we are going to have to enforce, which at the end of the day cost more money?” said Turner.
The commissioners have a moratorium in place now that restricts the issuance of special use permits for short term rentals; that moratorium is set to expire April 8.
Turner said the board will need to hold another meeting to address the issue in detail before finalizing an ordinance.
