OK, I know this isn't the most exciting topic, but here we go.
Since the municipal code update in 2017, the Town has required that lofts in short-term rentals meet safety standards for sleeping areas. However, they acknowledged a lenient approach to enforcing these regulations.
Independent contractors handle transient rental inspections and receive annual training from the town. Going forward, the Town plans to increase training frequency and accompany inspectors on inspections to ensure stricter compliance with safety standards.
You can see the loft code in the link below. Essentially, the loft needs to be safe for sleeping with proper egress, stair width, ceiling height, among other requirements.
If the town considers your loft unsafe for sleeping, you'll need to remove the beds and put up a sign stating that your loft is not a sleeping area.
The good news is that the Town recognizes that this isn't your fault and will still permit you the original occupancy. The Town allows for the number of bedrooms times 2 people plus 2 people for occupancy. So, for example a 2+loft would be permitted 3 rooms x 2 people plus 2 people (or 8 total).
So, where does everyone sleep?
We'll If your guests can't sleep in the loft, they'll need to sleep somewhere else. This can be a double bunk bed in a bedroom or an extra mattress in the living room. I suppose they want people to be creative. It's weird, I know.
Disclaimer: This news is still fresh, and the Town is working with the Board of REALTORS to devise an easy solution. I hope to provide you with a clearer picture from the Town's Finance Department soon.
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