4 ms·

So what you're saying is that this is actually an issue with not enforcing existing laws, but they're going to solve it with different, shittier laws that make

So what you're saying is that this is actually an issue with not enforcing existing laws, but they're going to solve it with different, shittier laws that make less sense instead of enforcing the existing, perfectly reasonable laws? Seems like there's a better solution available here.

brandonmenc 10y ago
No. I'm saying that existing residential zoning laws are only effective when you can apply them to actual residents. They fall flat if you have to chase people down (what, across state lines?) or if the fines aren't high enough to eat into an Airbnb revenue stream. Which, is one reason why we have zoning laws in the first place - because the penalties and proxies in a commercial zone are different than they are in a residential one. > but they're going to solve it with different, shittier laws that make less sense Not sure how residents voting to ban short-term residential rentals in their community is shitty or senseless.
- ultramancool 10y ago
  Wouldn't it make more sense to use nuisance laws and actually enforce them to eliminate the problem rather than implementing arbitrary zoning restrictions? The zoning laws seem to be used only because cities are not even trying to properly police the already in place nuisance laws.
  - brandonmenc 10y ago
    > Wouldn't it make more sense to use nuisance laws and actually enforce them It depends on the laws. Some municipalities could have laws that are able to handle short-term rentals while others could not. In a jurisdiction where the existing law doesn't address a problem caused by short-term rentals, a new law would not be arbitrary - in fact, it would be the exact opposite. > The zoning laws seem to be used only because cities are not even trying to properly police the already in place nuisance laws. If zoning laws are easier to enforce than nuisance laws, this could be an appropriate response.

brandonmenc 10y ago

No. I'm saying that existing residential zoning laws are only effective when you can apply them to actual residents. They fall flat if you have to chase people down (what, across state lines?) or if the fines aren't high enough to eat into an Airbnb revenue stream. Which, is one reason why we have zoning laws in the first place - because the penalties and proxies in a commercial zone are different than they are in a residential one. > but they're going to solve it with different, shittier laws that make less sense Not sure how residents voting to ban short-term residential rentals in their community is shitty or senseless.

ultramancool 10y ago
Wouldn't it make more sense to use nuisance laws and actually enforce them to eliminate the problem rather than implementing arbitrary zoning restrictions? The zoning laws seem to be used only because cities are not even trying to properly police the already in place nuisance laws.
- brandonmenc 10y ago
  > Wouldn't it make more sense to use nuisance laws and actually enforce them It depends on the laws. Some municipalities could have laws that are able to handle short-term rentals while others could not. In a jurisdiction where the existing law doesn't address a problem caused by short-term rentals, a new law would not be arbitrary - in fact, it would be the exact opposite. > The zoning laws seem to be used only because cities are not even trying to properly police the already in place nuisance laws. If zoning laws are easier to enforce than nuisance laws, this could be an appropriate response.