Amending The Short Term Rental Ordinance To Add A Separation Requirement For Short Term Rental Permits (Baca, Fiebelkorn, Rogers)

This ordinance amends the City of Albuquerque's Short Term Rental (STR) Ordinance by adding a new separation requirement for STR permits. The amendment, sponsored by Councilors Baca, Fiebelkorn, and Rogers, aims to mitigate the negative impacts of STRs on neighborhoods, such as noise and disturbances, and to address the city's housing shortage by encouraging long-term residential use.

Key Provisions:

• Separation Requirement: A new STR permit will not be approved if it is located within 330 feet in all directions of another approved STR permit.
• Exemptions: This separation requirement does not apply to STR permits for single rooms within an owner-occupied dwelling unit, or for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) when the property owner occupies the primary residence.
• Grandfather Clause: Active STR permits that are currently closer than 330 feet to another active STR permit may continue to renew their permits, subject to other ordinance provisions. However, if such a nonconforming permit lapses, it cannot be renewed unless it complies with the new distance separation requirement.
• Effective Date: The ordinance takes effect five (5) days after publication by title and general summary.

This ordinance will limit the density of short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods by requiring a minimum distance between new permits, potentially preserving neighborhood character and encouraging more housing stock for long-term residents. Existing STRs may be grandfathered in under certain conditions.

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