Port Royal Takes Bold Steps to Tackle Short-Term Rentals
In a move that’s making waves, the town of Port Royal is stepping up to address concerns over the rising number of short-term vacation rentals. With anxiety bubbling over about their impact on neighborhoods and housing availability, the Town Council has officially put a limit on these rentals, aiming to strike a balance between tourism and local life.
New Rules Take Effect
Until now, there was no cap on the number of short-term rentals that could be listed on popular platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. But after careful consideration, the Town Council voted unanimously on a revised short-term rental ordinance, which will restrict listings to 6% of the total residential units within five newly created districts. Port Royal, a quaint town with a population of around 16,000, is taking decisive action to preserve its character.
According to Town Administrator Van Willis, two of the newly designated districts are already at that 6% capacity. These districts, located south of Ribaut Road, are part of the charming old village well-known for its peaceful neighborhoods, towering oak trees, and picturesque views of Battery Creek.
Balancing Act
“We have a significant saturation of short-term rentals in particular parts of town,” explained Willis. “Concern was growing that we were slowly losing part of our identity due to the accumulation of these rentals in specific areas.” To tackle the issue, no new business licenses can be granted for short-term rentals in a district if it would push the total beyond the coveted 6% threshold.
In case you’re wondering about the costs, the business license fees will vary based on income from the short-term rental. But beware! If a property owner is caught running a rental without town approval, they’ll be slapped with a hefty flat fee of $1,000.
A Shift in Perspective
The town recognized a surge in short-term rentals—up by an impressive 57% over four years—from 70 to 110 rentals. Past efforts to regulate short-term rentals were dismissed in 2020, but the growing numbers convinced residents it was time to take another look. Consequently, the council formed a committee to analyze the situation thoroughly and provide recommendations.
It’s worth noting that while Port Royal is implementing these measures, it still pales in comparison to places like Hilton Head Island, where around 10,000 units are offered as short-term rentals—making up approximately a third of their residential units. However, residents of Port Royal voiced their concerns about concentrated short-term rentals particularly in the old village area.
Mixing Opinions
Some residents are skeptical about the new regulations. Adam Catledge, a Beaufort resident and real estate worker, cautioned that these restrictions are more emotional than factual. He worries they might lead to a decline in housing prices, making it harder for some homeowners to sell their properties. “Adding these restrictions is only going to create new problems for our community,” he expressed.
Conversely, others, including committee member Barbara Berry, passionately supported the ordinance, emphasizing how the growth of short-term rentals was overshadowing the character and quality of life in their neighborhoods. “It pushes out local residents from living here,” Berry countered. “We live here, and we need these regulations to protect our community.”
The Bigger Picture
This ordinance is just a piece of the puzzle. Port Royal is facing rapid growth, prompting other measures like strict tree-removal ordinances and limitations on where storage units can be located. Just last April, they even put a pause on constructing new apartments and short-term rentals to reassess the situation.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, it looks like Port Royal is drawing a line in the sand to maintain the charm and integrity of their community while keeping an eye on the future. As they navigate these changes, it’s clear that balancing growth and preservation is at the forefront of everyone’s mind in this lovely coastal town.
