The Winthrop Planning Commission will hold a public workshop on the topic of vacation rentals within the town on Tuesday (Oct. 23) at 7 p.m. at the Winthrop Barn.
In July, the Winthrop Town Council adopted a six-month moratorium on the issuance of business licenses for new “overnight/transient rentals.”
The temporary moratorium was adopted due to growing concern over a decline in the supply of rental and owner-occupied housing due to conversion of existing housing into overnight and short-term tourist accommodations, Town Planner Rocklynn Culp said.
The Planning Commission has been researching the issue in preparation for recommending new zoning regulations for vacation rentals, Culp said. The workshop will include a short presentation on vacation rentals, the outline of a proposal for regulating them, and an opportunity for interested persons to engage in shaping the proposal.
“We are hoping to have a good cross-section of folks who are affected by the issue, including owners of existing vacation rentals, people seeking the option to rent a home or part of a home to tourists, and those living in Winthrop’s neighborhoods,” Culp said in a press release. “In accord with the goals of our comprehensive plan, we aim to strike a balance that protects neighborhood character, supports affordable local housing, and works for the local tourist economy. We encourage anyone with an interest in the issue to attend.”
For information, contact Culp at 996-2320, or email planner@townofwinthrop.com.
