Short-term rentals – think Airbnbs and VRBOs – are becoming a more contentious issue in Lexington, especially as more are setting up shop in the core of the city.
In addition to worries about high density and neighborhood opposition, city planners have also heard complaints about noise and disruptions.
"We have had one already that was a nuisance," one speaker said at a recent planning meeting. "It took until 3 a.m. for the police to resolve a very serious issue."
Cue a new 24-7 short-term rental complaint hotline and online reporting option – open to anyone concerned about disturbances and suspected unregistered properties.
To file a complaint, residents can call 859-710-9048 or visit Lexington STR website.
The addition arrives as the council is slated to consider tweaks to short-term rental regulations. The main goal is to address concerns about the number and proximity of the rentals — especially downtown.
"You've seen a lot of neighborhoods... be upset about a lot of unhosted units popping up, and in their mind taking up the housing in their neighborhoods," CivicLex's Adrian Bryant explains. "So the regulations adopted by the planning commission made some minor changes to the council regulations. So what they'll do is set some buffers for different unhosted units."
The changes get a bit technical, but among them are new rules not allowing any new unhosted short-term rental to be within 600 feet of another, and a separate regulation reducing occupancy limits in all such rentals from a maximum of 12 guests down to 10.
The regulations now go back to council for revisions or final approval.
UPDATE (11/20): In a statement, Vincent Frillici, Public Policy Manager at Airbnb, said, "We applaud the city for investing in new resources that allow hosts to quickly address concerns. The hotline complements existing Airbnb resources to promote responsible tourism, such as our reservation screening technology, dedicated anti-party defenses, and Neighborhood Hood Support Line."
