Explanation
In July of 2018, Columbus City Council passed ordinance 2145-2018 amending Chapter 598 of the Columbus City Codes in order to establish regulations for short-term rental operations and hosting platforms in the City of Columbus. In February of 2019, an amendment (ordinance 0352-2019) requiring a BCI background check for all short-term rental hosts was made due to the concerns and interest of community members. Ordinance 0362-2019 was also passed in February 2019 in order to establish a regulatory tax framework for short-term rentals and to standardize the levying, collection, and allocation of all short-term rental related taxes. Given the rapid growth and dynamic nature of short-term rentals, it was written into the original ordinance that a thorough review and assessment of the regulations for short-term rentals would occur two years from the January 1, 2019 implementation date.
That review, in addition to feedback from the community, has contributed to these amendments to various sections of Chapter 598 to strengthen enforcement provisions related to short-term rentals by clarifying definitions, providing additional grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation, and including an appeal process.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested to ensure that amendments to Chapter 598, pertaining to the strengthening of enforcement provisions related to Short-Term Rentals, definition clarifications, the inclusion of additional grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation, and the inclusion of an appeal process, is in effect as soon as possible.
Title
To amend various sections of Chapter 598 of the Columbus City Codes to strengthen enforcement provisions related to Short-Term Rentals by clarifying definitions, providing additional grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation, and including an appeal process; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, in July of 2018, City Co...
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