City of Wood Dale Planning, Zoning and Building Committee met April 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Committee Date: April 9, 2020
Present: (via Conference Call): Ald. Catalano, Jakab, Messina, Sorrentino, Susmarski, E. Wesley and Woods
& Woods
Absent: Ald. R. Wesley
Also Present: Chief Vesta
(via Conference Call): Mayor Pulice, City Manager Mermuys,
A. Lange, E. Cage, B. Wilson
Meeting Convened at: 7:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the March 26, 2020 meeting were approved as presented.
REPORT & RECOMMENDATION
AUTHORIZE A CODE AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 6 OF THE CITY CODE TO ADD REGULATIONS THAT ADDRESS AIRBNB TYPE USES WITHIN THE RENTAL HOUSING PROGRAM
DISCUSSION:
Director Cage reported he had received complaints about an Airbnb in Wood Dale negatively impacting the neighborhood. Staff asked City Attorney Bond to review the Ordinance as the rental section currently does not adequately address Airbnb’s since they are relatively new. Mr. Bond drafted language that would include Airbnb properties and require them to register and have an inspection. Mayor Pulice suggested making the rules more stringent instead of treating these like regular home/apartment rentals which are rented for longer periods. Mr. Cage stated there were previously no regulations, and this amendment would allow his staff to do inspections to address life safety issues. It also gives a record of ownership so staff knows who to contact if there are complaints and would know who to hold responsible for any violations. Ald. E. Wesley did not feel that was enough. He noted there are two Airbnb’s near him and one of them was gutted without a permit, and some of the guests that rent are very rowdy. Ald. Messina stated that his Airbnb requires an inspection twice a year and is required to meet certain health requirements. He suggested having a registration fee. Mr. Cage stated they will start out by just adding it to the rental program; if it’s registered they pay a fee and Community Development will inspect the property. To tighten things up, he proposed inspecting an Airbnb yearly and not skip a year if they pass that yearly inspection.
Ald. Jakab asked about using the firm the City hired to review all Codes along with the City Attorney. Mr. Cage stated that it is not in UDO Chapter 17, so that firm would not be reviewing, but staff could ask for their opinion. Ald. Jakab asked how to really prove a place is an Airbnb; he was advised Airbnb locations are accessible by going to their website. Mr. Mermuys suggested having two inspections mandated per year and doubling the rental fee of what a regular rental property pays. Ald. Messina asked about adding language that if an owner doesn’t meet an inspection, the unit could not be rented until it passes. Mr. Mermuys suggested including language that would deregulate an Airbnb as a rental after so many complaints with the Police Department. Mr. Cage agreed to talk with other communities to see how they handle these. Ald. Woods asked if staff needs to see the lease, and was advised by Mr. Cage that the lease is part of the registration process.
VOTE:
Ald. Catalano made a motion, seconded by Ald. Jakab, to approve a Code Amendment to Chapter 6 of the City Code as it is currently written, to add regulations that address Airbnb type uses within the Rental Housing Program, and have staff look into other restrictions with the City Attorney and Ancel Glink. A roll call vote was taken, with the following results:
Ayes: Ald. Catalano, Jakab, Messina, Sorrentino, Susmarski & Woods
Nays: Ald. E. Wesley
Abstained: None
Motion: Carried
ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED AT FUTURE MEETINGS:
• Façade Program Grant Application (Spring)
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
https://www.wooddale.com/home/showdocument?id=6406
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