Council continues short term rental discussion

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington City Council met this morning for their agenda briefing and one of the topics they spent a good deal of time covering was short term rentals. The subject has been the point of some debate in the city.

Today staff presented council with a presentation outlining some priorities such as defining terms like “short-term lodging” and “bed and breakfast.”

Councilman Kevin O’Grady said Wilmington does not need more bed and breakfasts and that those that are currently running are struggling. He suggested not issuing anymore permits and just letting the industry fizzle out. Councilman Charlie Rivenbark stepped in saying that it is not council’s place to decide whether the industry is failing or not. Councilwoman Margaret Haynes recognized that some of the debate was coming from a lack of enforcement of existing codes.

Although no action was taken today, staff recommended that there be at least one more public input meeting on the matter because there is no consensus among the public.

According to staff’s timeline, an amendment will be proposed in November.