Bed-and-breakfasts were the focus of Monday's Chapel Hill Town Council business meeting — but residents can't agree on what to do about them.
The issues with bed-and-breakfasts range from absentee owners to the signage allowed in front of potential bed-and-breakfast properties.
Town residents want to avoid "creeping commercialism" that could come with the establishment of larger bed-and-breakfasts.
John Richardson, planning manager for sustainability, said new regulations for bed-and-breakfasts would include allowing at least four guest bedrooms and up to 12 by special permit.
Regulations would also require additional parking, special distancing between other bed-and-breakfasts, limits to special events attendance and renewable zoning compliance permits every two years.
Currently, houses in Chapel Hill temporarily renting more than three units have a special review process, but there is no land-use ordinance established for bed-and-breakfasts — they are considered commercial residences.
"If (a land ordinance) doesn't exist, it isn't working perfectly fine," said council member Maria Palmer.
UNC history professor John Sweet said the lack of regulation has been prevalent throughout the town, as demonstrated by over-stuffing student houses.
"When an investor sees a house they don't see a home," Sweet said. "They see a cash cow."
Residents said they fear absentee owners neglecting rental and potential bed-and-breakfasts properties. Many said they would prefer if bed-and-breakfast owners were still required to live in the establishments.
But there were a few residents willing to express positivity on the behalf of bed-and-breakfasts. They said it would be a great new business to bring into the town, allowing for an increase in tax revenue.
Some brought up that over 300 Air BnB properties have opened in Chapel Hill.
"Thanks to Air BnB, we are already in the business," said Laurie Paolicelli, executive director of the Chapel Hill's Visitor Bureau.
Residents and council members shared a similar mindset to Paolicelli and argued that regulation might need to be the focus of the bed-and-breakfast conversation.
"I think for many of our neighbors its not solving any problems, its potentially creating them," Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt said.
The council will continue bed-and-breakfasts discussions over the coming months.
Notable:
The Town of Chapel Hill was recognized as one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters.
Quotable:
"Serving on advisory boards in this community is not easy," Palmer said.
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