Realtors voice concerns about short-term rental ordinance

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The group, Residents of Old Wilmington also known as ROW, has formally requested the city council review the ordinance related to furnished rentals as a business within the residential zones. ROW wants the city to enforce the ordinance that doesn’t allow businesses to operate in neighborhoods, businesses that include short-term rental housing.

According to a letter ROW wrote to city council, ROW would like to increase the stay-time from 7 days to 30 days within the residential zones. ROW members are concerned the growing number of short-term rentals in historic downtown is bringing crowds, noise and partying.

Rachel de Faut is a realtor for Sea River Realty. She said in her experience there isn’t a lot of people getting out of control.

“I don’t think that the crowds that are coming here are a big hard party groups,” said de Faut. “We are talking about mostly families, people getting together, kids, moms dads, a lot of people want to get to bring their pets.”

De Faut said this ordinance isn’t good for tourism because people will find other southern historic destinations to visit.

“I think it helps, it helps our events in town, it helps restaurants, taxis, shopping, all of these things are fed by our tourism industry and this helps our tourist industry,” said de Faut.

De Faut said she has been active in getting other business owners involved with this effort. She said what they want is a compromise.