The Silver Bay City Council discussed the issue of short-term rental properties at some length during Monday night’s meeting. An amended city code has been proposed to bring clarity to zoning concerns related to such properties. The new zoning regulations would require that short term rentals would need to be located at least 300 feet from resident’s properties that are zoned as R1 or R2. The main concern among Council members seems to revolve around the possibility of mismanaged rental properties and the possible disruption that can come from rowdy, temporary guests. In addition, two Council members mentioned concern about the need for affordable housing and questioned the wisdom of focusing on short term rentals when the need for workforce housing is so great. The counter argument is that short term rental properties can grow the city’s tax base but with Cleveland-Cliffs planning to restart mining this month, the issue of available housing for workers must be considered. Three Council members voted to accept the amended zoning regulations with two voting against. The proposed rental code, city code Section 1239 is available for public review at the Silver Bay city offices and there will be time for public comment at the City Council’s May 15th meeting.
In other business, the Council approved the job posting for a Water/Wastewater Operator and approved an Arena Lease application by the After Prom Committee for use of the Arena on May 15th. The Council also authorized an agreement with Coca-Cola Beverages of Duluth, for the sale of Coke products at the Marina and the Campground.
Finally, the Council approved the appointment of Joe Nicklay and Steve Van House to the Economic Development Authority.
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