Public Says 'Detached' Language in Short-Term Rental Ordinance Protects Homeowners; Council Notes Ongoing Review

Resident Sharon Littner urged Columbia Borough leaders on Aug. 7 to preserve a "detached" requirement in a proposed short-term rental ordinance after the zoning board approved an attached unit.

Littner said, "I just really feel strongly that the word detached was put in there for a reason." She told council that an attached short-term rental next to a homeowner had prompted that homeowner to move away and said she was concerned attached rentals could lower neighboring property values or be used in assessment appeals.

Council members said the borough had begun discussion of changes to the short-term rental ordinance but that other legislative items were also active. One council speaker noted the zoning board had approved an attached unit and that the council would continue its review.

Littner also asked whether the council was considering changes after the zoning board action and whether the council would revisit the ordinance. Council members responded that they had started conversations and that any ordinance change would require further review and possible legislative steps.

The discussion did not result in an immediate vote or ordinance change; council members indicated further study and public discussion would be part of the process if changes were proposed.