The Short-Term Rental Debate: In Support Of Article 1

To the editor: As a registered voter, here are three questions you may be asking:

• How does Article 1 protect Nantucket against investor-only short-term rentals (STRs)?

• How does Article 1 protect the tradition of vacation rentals on Nantucket?

• How does Article 1 protect the quality of life in Nantucket neighborhoods?

Here is the way Article 1 answers these questions:

Each person is allowed STR rental on a single lot. On a lot that currently has a primary dwelling and a secondary dwelling, those two may be rented separately. This regulation puts a limit on STR ownership, while supporting traditional home rental.

An STR is limited to only eight (8) changes of occupancy (i.e. rental contracts) in July/August. This regulation allows traditional home rentals to function at their customary level. At the same time, it protects neighborhoods by ending unlimited turnover in the high season that has the ability to disrupt neighborhoods.

For new STRs, during the first five years of ownership of the property, there is a limit of only three (3) short-term rental contracts in July/August. This is a powerful deterrent to those who wish to purchase Nantucket homes only to profit from them as STRs. The goal is to turn off the faucet on the conversion of year-round housing into STRs.

The restriction of three (3) changes of occupancy in July/August does not apply to properties that are transferred through inheritance, divorce, or inter-family gift. This provision protects the existing property rights of families that already own homes, as they pass their homes to the next generation. Article 1 supports the rights of families.

There are no limits on rental contracts outside of July/August. This protects the important economic activity on the island during the shoulder seasons.

Hosted stays are exempt from this bylaw. The owner or an immediate family member must be on the property during the rental.

Corporate ownership of STRs was already banned at an earlier Town Meeting. The right of “natural persons” who currently rent STRs on multiple lots will sunset after eight years. This regulation acknowledges that current owners of multiple STRs will need time for an orderly transition that will ultimately limit everyone to only one STR lot per person.

STRs are forbidden in tertiary dwellings, interval-ownership dwellings, affordable housing, workforce housing, covenant housing, and in newly constructed apartments. This regulation stops investor-only STRs in these unique neighborhoods.

Finally, an authors' statement: We support the inclusive and collaborative process that led to this compromise article, which we believe addresses the goals of the community. We trust each voter to consider the facts and make the determination that they feel best reflects both their values and the values of the community.

Matt Fee
Tucker Holland
Peter Kahn
John Kitchener
Grant Sanders
Jim Sulzer