Southport looking at short-term rentals’ impact on local housing
Southport Planning Board Chairman Skip Simonds, left, draws a laugh from summer resident Gary Light of Virginia as he describes new legislation, LD 2003, as “a solution to a problem we don’t have,” during the July 26 selectmen’s meeting. BILL PEARSON/Boothbay Register
Southport Planning Board Chairman Skip Simonds, left, draws a laugh from summer resident Gary Light of Virginia as he describes new legislation, LD 2003, as “a solution to a problem we don’t have,” during the July 26 selectmen’s meeting. BILL PEARSON/Boothbay Register
Southport Planning Board Chairman Skip Simonds had a few things on his mind July 26 when he met with selectmen. One was exploring a new blasting ordinance. He has recruited Jeff Long and Jeff Brown as co-chairmen of a committee examining the current ordinance in light of protecting local drinking water. Simonds is also concerned about two housing-related matters facing the town. The planning board is concerned about short-term rentals and how new state legislation will likely exacerbate the problem. “As you know short-term rentals are already numerous on the island, and not regulated,” Simonds told selectmen. “In the past, we took a wait and see approach, but now I think it is time to address it.”
Simonds is concerned LD 2003 may create even more unregulated short-term rental units in Southport. Maine set July 1, 2023 as the deadline for municipalities to add LD 2003 to their land use laws. The legislation is temporarily delayed until January 2024. The legislation is designed to create more affordable housing by increasing housing opportunities. The legislation requires municipalities to allow additional units on lots zoned for single-family homes, allow at least one accessory dwelling unit on lots with existing single-family homes, and in some areas require municipalities to allow 2.5 times the current allowed housing units for development.
“We have no option to comply with this. My main concerns are changes to the lot and district requirements enhance short-term rentals and make the situation worse,” he said. Simonds is forming another committee to discuss how to best implement the new state housing regulations.
In other action, selectmen received a complaint of 20 trees being cut down. Charlie Britton wanted to notify selectmen about his concern on whether the resident had the proper permitting for removing the trees inside 250 feet of the shoreland zone. Selectmen also approved resident Andrei Bazaiac’s request to rent the town hall on Aug. 8 as a rain location for his summer celebration event.
Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2 in the town hall.
