The Town of Normal is considering a six-month ban on any new Airbnbs or other short-term rental [STR] units, according to a plan the town council will consider on Monday.
Town staff has said there are more than 60 short-term rentals in town and only one-third of them are registered with the town. Their sudden rise in popularity has led to an increase in complaints about excessive noise, congestion and other nuisance calls, according to a staff memo to the town council.
“Town staff believes that this moratorium will provide the time for the town of better consider options addressing STRs in the community,” the memo stated.
Town staff said the rise in short-term rentals also “exacerbates the community’s housing shortage.”
During a recent council meeting, town planner Mercy Davison indicated the town has considered several options to limit the spread of the short-term rentals, including banning the rentals in certain residential districts, and other zoning restrictions. The town has also explored requiring owner occupancy or renters stay for 30 days.
If the town council approves, the moratorium would take effect on Nov. 14.
