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PHOENIX — Proposed code changes could clarify the rules for people who want to rent out their properties through websites such as Airbnb, VRBO and HomeAway. Planning commissioners will consider an amendment to land development codes governing such accommodations at their meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, at Phoenix Plaza Civic Center, 220 N. Main St. A public hearing will be conducted during the session. The City Council would need to approve any changes. Unlike some other towns in the Rogue Valley, the operations have not generated complaints that have reached city officials. Impacts on neighborhoods have been reported from the rentals in Talent and Ashland. “We realize that we have a number of these in Phoenix. We’ve had a few questions, ‘Can I do it?’” said Planning Director Evan MacKenzie. “We have had certainly no complaints in the 1-1/2 years I have been here.” While there haven’t been issues, the operations are clearly outside the current bed-and-breakfast requirements, said MacKenzie. “I took the standards that we already have for (bed and breakfasts). I just kind of updated it to reflect the Airbnb thing,” said MacKenzie. The City Council was supportive of the amendment when he first brought the issue up, said MacKenzie. City Councilor Jim Snyder says an Airbnb operation is located across the street from him, but he only found out about it when he was invited to a party by the homeowner. “It’s not disruptive. It has a large driveway. It’s used maybe a couple or three days per month. You wouldn’t even know it was there,” said Snyder. Short-term rentals do not appear to be a problem elsewhere in the city either, he said. A house under construction near Snyder will have a studio above the garage that may be used for short-term rentals, but no decision has been made yet, he said. “We haven’t gotten any complaints here at the Police Department,” Chief Derek Bowker reported when contacted on the issue. At least six Airbnb rentals are known to exist Phoenix. There may be more but locating such rentals is not easy. Locations are usually not given until someone makes a booking, MacKenzie said. City records don’t show that anyone ever applied for a conditional use permit to run a bed and breakfast, said MacKenzie. He gets occasional questions about what is required to have such facilities. Some inquires have come from individuals building houses in town who want to know what is allowed. Changes would be made as an amendment to current code — the proposal is consistent with permitted uses in residential zones. While current bed-and-breakfast regulations cover many concerns, the propose rules would clarify responsibilities for and limitations on such uses. Among requirements would be: • Payment of the 6 percent transient room tax. A business license and a home occupation permit would be required. The fee for each is $75. • Only single-family residences would be allowed to have the rentals. An operator must live at the property to preclude rental of entire houses. Additional dwelling units on a single-family property could be used as short-term rentals under the proposal. • Addresses must be clearly visible from the street to prevent guests for circulating in unfamiliar residential neighborhoods late at night. • One off-street parking spot must be provided for each room rented in a residence. On-street parking along a frontage may substitute for the requirement when available. • One guest room is allowed for each 400 square feet of a residence. A maximum of five guest rooms would be allowed. • The proposal would result in elimination of a $2,500 conditional use permit fee for people who rent rooms. If the Planning Commission recommends the proposed amendments, the City Council would vote on them. A first reading and vote could be held at the Dec. 3 meeting. Reach Ashland freelance writer Tony Boom at [email protected].