By Lorraine Bennett
Staff Writer
Hayesville Town Council voted Monday to hold a public hearing on a short term rental ordinance at 6:30 p.m. before the next regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 11.
Article 1800 on short term rentals has already passed the Hayesville Planning and Zoning Board. The proposed regulation applies to all dwelling units used for overnight lodging provided to renters for no longer than 30 days.
According to the article:
• Short term rentals are only allowed in residential dwelling units.
• Short term rentals are required to secure a zoning permit and renew the permit on an annual basis.
• No more than two adults per bedroom are allowed. Children and other persons under age 13 do not count.
• No displays of goods, products, services or other advertising shall be visible outside the rental.
• No activities other than lodging are allowed. Special events including weddings, receptions or other large gatherings are prohibited.
• Off street parking requirements should be consistent with single family use.
At Mondays council meeting members noted that the town bulletin board is up. Discussions on the EV charging station are ongoing. However the council squashed the idea of a large clock on the square. “My motion would be not to accept the application based on the location of the clock,” said Councilman Austin Hedden.
“I agree,” said Councilwoman Lauren Tiger. “It’s not a practical use of that much money. I can’t see it on the square.”
Councilman Harry Baughn pointed out that the matter is still open for Historic Hayesville Inc. to negotiate with property owners and other business in the downtown area. Hedden made the motion against the placement of the clock on the square and Tiger seconded it.
The council discussed the possibility of a water fountain for people and pets on the square. Mayor Joe Slaten said, “We have people walking around with their dogs.”
The mayor indicated that if Hayesville is going to be a pedestrian friendly town, this idea should be explored. Tiger said,
“A ton of people come to the square to walk their animals,” said Tiger.
HHI’s Sandy Zimmerman is negotiating for a place for storage units for Trash to Treasure items.” She reminded the council of the Garage Sale Friday and Saturday, Aug. 18 and 19 behind Nocturnal Restaurant on May Street.