- April 24, 2024
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The Volusia County Council voted to reinstate code enforcement action on short-term rentals, a 4-3 vote that had some council members questioning the abrupt reversal after voting to continue the cease of action two weeks ago.
There was no agenda item regarding the stay at the council meeting on Tuesday, March 16, but there was an item to discuss appointments to a short-term rental advisory committee. However, the topic of the stay was brought up, following residents' concerns about worsening conduct by guests of vacation rentals, particularly in Bethune Beach. Council members Danny Robins, Heather Post and Chair Jeff Brower voted against reinstating code enforcement action
Robins, visibly frustrated, said the council's "flip-flopping" on position sends a confusing message.
"What kind of message are we sending to our visitors?" Robins said. "What kind of message are we sending to our property owners, our residents, our taxpayers? We have got to get it together and pick a direction. It feels like we're having an absolute identity crisis here in Volusia County."
Post agreed with Robins, saying that this reversal set a bad example in the community. She explained she wasn't sure why they changed their minds when the stay was temporary, to be lifted at the end of the legislative session. Currently, the county ordinance prohibits short-term rentals from operating in residential zoning districts unless they are rented for 30 days or longer.
"These are tough decisions that we're making, but when we make decisions, we need to stand by them," Post said.
Councilwoman Billie Wheeler said this was a result of making a hasty decision without listening to both sides last month when the council first voted to institute a stay of code enforcement action without an agenda item scheduled. The initial vote to stop code enforcement on short-term rentals at the Feb. 16 meeting was unanimous.
Councilman Ben Johnson said he wasn't happy about their decision, but blamed the reinstatement of code enforcement action on "bad behavior" disrupting the neighborhood.
"You would think that in the last few weeks, that the people would be on their best behavior," Johnson said.
Brower rejected Wheeler's statement that this was a consequence of making a hasty decision, saying she could have voted against it last month. He said bringing items up during closing comments is how items are put on the agenda. He apologized for entertaining the motion to reinstate code enforcement action on vacation rentals.
"What we did today was wrong," Brower said. "...We gave people our word that you could go out and rent your properties, and we just turned a huge problem over to them."
The council is still moving forward with a committee, to be made up of seven people, with at least five residing in unincorporated areas. Those wanting to serve will need to submit an application by March 31, and the council plans to appoint individuals at its second meeting in April.
