Title
Asking the Department of Safety and Inspections and the Department of Planning and Economic Development to study AirBnB and similar companies and how their operations align with current city ordinances.
Body
WHEREAS companies like AirBnB which allow individuals to rent out a room or residence to guests for short periods of time are expanding in the City of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS the growth of these economies has been seen to increase visitors and tourism; and
WHEREAS the City Council encourages all people from around the globe to come and visit the fine City of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS the City Council recognizes its responsibility to ensure guests' safety while visiting in Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS other municipalities have studied AirBnB and how they work or do not work with current city and state lodging, building and zoning codes; and therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council asks the Department of Safety and Inspections and the Department of Planning and Economic Development (“Departments”) to study AirBnB and similar companies and how their operations align with current city ordinances. In addition, the Council asks that the Departments evaluate whether current codes ensure that visitors, landlords, AirBnB neighbors and private property are safe and protected. The Departments shall ensure that the appropriate taxes are being collected from these sorts of properties and uses. The Council asks that the Departments bring forward a report of their findings and any suggested ordinance changes, if needed, by June 1, 2016.