airbnb ban
Rochester is re-designing it's zoning map and re-writing a lot of it's rules as part of it's 2034 plan. As part of the Zoning Alignment Project, they are proposing a lot of changes; the one we are most interested in is the ban on Short Term Rentals in Low Density and Medium Density districts.
get involved
Attend the public meetings and show our opposition to the Airbnb ban
NEXT MEETINGS
6:30PM Wednesday, January 17th at City hall, 30 church street
talking points
ROCHESTER ZONING ALIGNMENT PROJECT (ZAP)
The ZAP should not ban Short Term Rentals (STR) in Low/Medium density districts
STRs provide great economic development for the region
STR owners pay their property taxes
STR guests go to local restaurants and support local businesses
STR properties tend to be in great condition & high standards due to the review processes imposed by the platforms
STR owners often renovate otherwise vacant/blighted properties, reducing crime in the area
STR properties are not causing a housing shortage, the city has 1200 vacant residential properties, activating these properties is a much better strategy to add supply. The Coalition has proposals to address activating this pool of properties here.
Multifamily properties should retain their zoning status if they're vacant
Currently the ZAP is proposing this rule, meaning if a multifamily property goes vacant it will retain it’s multifamily zoning status
We support this change as it supports more housing units and helps maintain housing supply
Small Residential Development Projects should have a streamlined approval process & less design regulation
Small development projects help to add housing stock to the city, which helps to alleviate price increases.
Cumbersome approval processes & highly restrictive design regulations prevent small developers from adding housing supply to the city, which drives prices up for residents.