Short term rentals are getting very popular, especially around the Tahoe and Incline Village areas. They are both beautiful place to visit, and for some a terrific place to call home. But because of the increase of short term rentals and Air B&B's, residents say people from out of town show little to no respect for their community.
"I now live on hotel row, not a neighborhood. We used to go on walks without fear of being mowed down. We knew our neighbors, now it is all professional investors and property management services. Dog poop, garbage, speeding and boats…" said Incline Resident in an email to the Washoe County Board of Commissioners during public comment Tuesday.
Public comment emails from Incline residents also went on to talk about illegal use of fireworks during red flag days, wild overcrowded parties and shooting of animals in residential areas.
"We follow the rules. I don't know why you wouldn’t. If you are disrespectful, maybe you shouldn’t be here in the first place," said Incline Resident Ceri Medina when asked by 2 News.
One of the most common complaints was that of improper disposal of trash, which may seem like a small annoyance but in bear country could be deadly for not only people, but the bears themselves.Â
Washoe County has been looking into the problems short term rentals create since last 2019, and have come up with a draft of new regulations and restrictions to be voted on.Â
"We are looking at things that have standards proposed for things like noise, parking, trash, the biggest quality of life impacts that we hear about," said Washoe County Senior Planner Kelly Mullin.
They are also talking about including things like a short term rental call line for any complaints about short term rentals.
"One of the proposed requirements is for a local responsible party for every short term rental, someone who is able to respond 24/7 within specific time frames if there are issues with the short term rental," said Mullin.
One other proposed regulation is that if you get 3 major violations, your permit for short term rentals can be revoked.
The meeting where a vote was expected on these new regulations was canceled on August 25th due to technology problems, but the county plans to meet and vote on this issue sometime this fall.
