Hart BOC Passes Short-term Rental Ordinance

After months of work and hearing from concerned citizens, the Hart County Board of Commissioners has passed a Short-term Rental Ordinance.

The ordinance was passed at their regular meeting Tuesday evening and goes into effect today.

Commissioners asked the County attorney to come with a short-term rental plan after complaints from citizens living on the lake who said neighbors renting out their lake homes to vacationers were inadvertently causing a disruption to the quiet enjoyment of their homes and neighborhoods.

In past meetings, citizens had complained of issues like too many vehicles for the rental property and vehicles parked along the roadside making it difficult for residents to pass, and loud music and noise until late at night.

According to County Commission Chair Marshal Sayer, the new ordinance is designed to protect both the property owner who uses it as a short-term rental and their neighbors and can be adjusted as needed.

Commissioner Joey Dorsey agreed.

Dorsey said the goal was to get an ordinance in place as a starting point.

Dorsey said he is committed to speaking to any citizen who has a concern or question about the ordinance and said the Board will likely review how the new ordinance is working in six months’ time.

Commissioner Michael Bennett then motioned for a vote on the short-term rental ordinance which was seconded by Commissioner Dorsey.

After discussion, the motion passed unanimously.