City of South Bend addresses trouble some short-term rentals

At today's Common Council Committee meeting a discussion was held about the issues, as being loud, destruction of property, shootings, overcrowding or being a nuisance to the neighbors.

During the meeting only two residents were able to voice their thoughts on the topic before an ordinance is presented to the Common Council.

"Neighborhoods need neighbors. Our elderly need a neighbor to make sure they're okay. We need school children in our schools. Those come from families, not short-term rentals,' said Mary Ellen O'Connell.

Over the last few years, the number of short-term rentals in the city has increased, so have the number of incidents.

"The increased market for short-term rentals has led to some growing concerns in the community that's come to the city's attention. That includes noise, parking, and trash complaints, as well as party type disruptions that result in public safety issues," said Jenna Throw, a South Bend City Attorney.

What the city proposed is that any short-term rental owners are required to apply for a yearly permit with the city to continue operational.

Short Term Rental Owner's will get fined by the city if violating requirement, after three violations within a Calander year the owners' permit will be revoked no more than a year.

The city is also requiring Rental Owners to provide their contact information to contact the owner if there's any issue or situation on their property.

If you would like to offer your own thoughts on short-term rentals, there will be a public comment session on August 10.