In August, the Norfork City Council adopted a new short term rental policy, but it’s a subject that has divided the town. In the first of two reports, we hear today from mayor Lisa Harrison.
Mayor Harrison says the topic of updating the city’s short term rental policy has been discussed for several years. The original ordinance passed 2008 only allowed the rentals in commercially zoned properties in the city, while the new ordinance allows short term rentals in residential areas as well.
The Norfork mayor, in an interview with KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot’s Heather Loftis, says opponents of the ordinance had several things they were worried about.
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Harrison says short term rentals have never been a problem in the 15 years they have been allowed in Norfork.
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Harrison says the fact commercially zoned properties have been allowed to have short term rentals has curtailed business growth in the city.
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During the process of getting ordinance passed, which included meetings of the Norfork Planning Commission, two members of the city council, Ian Vickery and Harry Roderick, along with one other member, resigned from the commission, leaving only the committee chairman.
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A petition has been circulating in Norfork for a referendum to repeal the ordinance. Mayor Harrison says if that happens, it could cost the city a lot of money.
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Harrison says the city expects to receive around $10-15 thousand from short term rental permits each year. This is in addition to money spent in the city and the increase in tax dollars.
In tomorrow’s report, we will hear from one of the city council members who voted against the ordinance.
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