Short-term vacation rentals in St. Johns County will see some new restrictions under action taken earlier this month.
By a unanimous vote, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners on May 4 approved changes to the land development code regarding the rental properties.
The action is expected to provide some relief for homeowners who live near rentals, but some affected landlords see the amendments as having a negative impact on their source of business.
The vote came two months after the county last addressed the issue. At that time, the board approved hiring two additional code enforcement officers to work weekends when, some homeowners say, violations have been committed.
The issue arises primarily from concerns about noise, parking and trash due to large groups of renters acting irresponsibly.
The commission had postponed action on the amendments until after the state legislature addressed a pair of bills on the docket for the latest session. These bills would have impacted county governments’ ability to impose restrictions on local rentals.
Both bills died in committee.
One of the key provisions of the amended code is a reduction in the number of people who can occupy a rental property at one time. It limits by half the 20 previously allowed.
The changes will be phased in so that landlords who have invested in enlarging their properties to accommodate more renters will be able to benefit from their investments, to a degree at least.
As of May 4, 2022, the maximum transient occupancy drops to 17. One year later, it is reduced further to 14. On May 4, 2024, it falls to the permanent limit of 10.
An accommodation was made for children. Those age 12 and younger do not count toward the maximum of 10.
The occupancy is further restricted if the rental is smaller. Two people are allowed per sleeping room, as well as two for the common room.
In addition, one parking space must be provided for every three occupants.
To limit the amount of garbage sitting out, the board imposed a 36-hour time frame when trash receptacles may be placed outside.
Trash may be put out the night prior to scheduled pickup, no earlier than sunset, and cans must be taken in again no later than sunrise of the day following pickup.
The commission also mandated that landlords get identification from the renter who is responsible.
In cases of violations, fines would first be imposed upon the renter. If, however, there are three violations within a 180-day period, the property owner may be held responsible.
