Montgomery residents raise concerns over proposed short-term rental ordinance
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) — A proposed ordinance regulating short-term rental properties in Montgomery is drawing criticism from some residents who say it could allow too many vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods.
Grace Pugh, who is the President of the Arrowhead Homeowners Association in east Montgomery, said her normally quiet street has been overwhelmed by large parties at nearby short-term rental houses.
Pugh described one recent gathering where dozens of vehicles lined both sides of the street, preventing residents from easily reaching their homes. She said hundreds of people walked through neighboring yards as the party continued.
“A couple engaged in lewd behavior right in front of my home between two cars, and I told my husband literally, I believe this couple is about to have sex in our front yard,” Pugh said.
She said another party featured vehicles racing through the neighborhood at nearly 1 a.m., creating safety concerns for residents.
Pugh said current enforcement options do little to address problems while they are happening.
“A phone call to the owner is not going to make that go away because stuff like that happens and then it’s gone,” she said. “If someone’s drinking in your yard and kicking over your garbage can, a phone call to the police department is not going to make that stop or go away timely enough. It just doesn’t work like that, but the damage is done.”
Pugh’s concerns extend beyond individual incidents. She said the proposed ordinance, expected to come before the Montgomery City Council in the coming weeks, could allow too many short-term rentals in established neighborhoods.
“They’re suggesting that there be a short-term rental house permit being able to be let for four sides of that block in every neighborhood,” Pugh said. “Our neighborhood has about 800 people and more than 22 plats. Can you imagine the number of short-term rentals that would be in our old, dignified, settled neighborhood? What that would do to families and neighborhoods — to hollow out our neighborhoods.”
Montgomery City Council President CC Calhoun said residents will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed ordinance during a public hearing before the council votes.
“If you’re an out-of-town landlord and you’re doing these things and causing those problems, we know what short-term rentals are. It’s for people to come in if you’re on vacation to use those. It’s not a party house,” Calhoun said. “We’re trying to get that message out, so we’ll be able to fine and vacate those properties.”
Pugh said she supports the city’s effort to regulate short-term rentals but believes the ordinance should be strengthened before it is adopted. She said city leaders should reconsider provisions related to business permit fees, lodging taxes and penalties for violations.
“Does the city need to get a handle on this? Absolutely, yes,” Pugh said. “We’re on board with the city to create an ordinance that is meaningful and appropriate. But what they have right now, the way that it’s structured, it would harm our neighborhoods. It would be what I truly believe would be the downturn of our city.”
The Montgomery City Council has been working on drafting rules for short term rentals since last year.
You can learn more about that process here.
And You can read the current proposed ordinance here. The Montgomery City Council is expected to hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance before voting on it Tuesday. You can weigh-in and contact your city council member here.
