The City of Aiken is beginning to look for representatives to discuss regulations around short-term rentals. Like many municipalities across the country and state, we as a City are grappling with the popularity of short-term rentals. Short-term rentals are defined as rentals that are less than 30 days, such as those found on Airbnb and VRBO. While short-term rentals can positively impact a community, without well-thought-out controls, short-term rentals can reduce needed long-term housing stock, raise house and rental prices, and affect the character of established neighborhoods. The goal is to bring together various stakeholders and community members representing cross sections of the community for input on how best to regulate short-term rentals.
The intention is to gather two distinct stakeholder groups: those in real estate, hotel owners, current short-term rental operators, and other business owners, and the other that focuses on neighborhood and homeowner association stakeholders around the City. This process will provide staff and elected officials input from the public to ensure the long-term vision for the community is met while providing opportunities for discussion and management.
Some citizens may have already been contacted to determine your interest in participating in one of the two stakeholder groups. If you have not already been contacted and are interested in participating, please call the City of Aiken Planning Department at (803) 642-7608 or contact Marya Moultrie, City of Aiken Planning Director.
The City thanks the community for your continued involvement and input into the process. Please reach out to city staff with questions and/or comments.
