Sidebar to Florida Legislature Hits Key Issues by Steve Traiman
A nice turnout on Feb.13 heard from key local officials on Home Rule Rental Property legislation, now in the legislature. The roundtable session was co-sponsored by the Greater Treasure Island Association (TGTIA) and the City of Treasure Island, reported Karen Barnett, TGTGI president.
Panelists offered these key points:
Kathleen Peters, Pinellas County Commission, said, “Rental houses provide a perfect opportunity for the human trafficking of girls, young women and young boys, as well as the sale of drugs. The state cannot regulate and protect neighborhoods and its citizens from Tallahassee. Local control provides an awareness of the neighborhoods and its residents, which assures a more feasible opportunity to be aware of these kinds of crimes and the ability to act on them promptly.”
Doug Izzo, Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber Legislative Affairs Liaison, noted, “Ultimately, residents on both sides of the rental property issue would like the same results: the regulation of short-term rentals. In order to achieve this we need to collaborate to make this legislation a success.”
Garry Brumback, Treasure Island City Manager, said, “Our city currently has zoning ordinances for single family (2 changes of occupancy annually) and multi-family (5 changes of occupancy annually). There are no restrictions on maximum/minimum length of stay, and all other districts have no restrictions. The following link identifies zones and any restrictions: www.mytreasureisland.com/departments/community_improvement/uploads/Treasure_Island_Zoning_Map_010615.pdf
Jennifer Cowan, Treasure Island City Attorney, noted, “By state government continuing to restrict local government from changing or amending existing ordinances, local government is prohibited from addressing the community needs whether it be more restrictive or more flexible regulations.”
For more complete information on the subject of rental property legislation please visit the www.greatertreasureislandassociation.com