St. Clairsville Considers New Guidelines for Short-Term Rentals
St. Clairsville City Council Examines Short-Term Rental Property Guidelines
Conversations about short-term rentals are growing in cities everywhere, and in 2025, the Denver area continues to see that same trend. Locally, in places like St. Clairsville, neighbors are talking about how properties listed on platforms like Airbnb both benefit and challenge their communities. This reflects the real concerns and opportunities property owners in Denver and the Foothills recognize every day—balancing the welcome boost from visitors with the need to keep neighborhoods thriving and safe. Thinking carefully about guidelines isn’t just a big city problem; it’s part of making sure vacation rental investments work for everyone who calls the area home.
Seeking Local Solutions for Evolving Rentals
At a recent St. Clairsville City Council meeting, planning and zoning administrator Tom Murphy sparked a pivotal discussion. He raised the idea of the city adopting formal guidelines specific to short-term rental properties. While he made it clear that he didn’t personally lean for or against such rules, Murphy emphasized the value of council input and community feedback as short-term rentals gain popularity.
Currently, St. Clairsville’s city code addresses bed and breakfasts, but the landscape has shifted. Properties listed on Airbnb and similar sites don’t quite fit the same mold. Murphy pointed out a key distinction: bed and breakfasts offer meals, whereas most short-term rentals do not. This means standard guidelines may not capture the unique needs of both property types.
Parking remains at the heart of these decisions. Murphy noted the importance of ensuring new rentals provide enough parking to avoid unnecessary strain on neighborhood streets. Yet, he expressed concern over what he sees as a delicate balance: introducing oversight, but not so much that it stifles growth or makes things difficult for responsible owners. Protecting residents from real nuisances, without overreaching, is a topic familiar to anyone managing properties in more active vacation rental markets like Denver.
Self-Regulation and the Guest Experience
Council member Audry Brahler offered a unique perspective: she’s actively converting a property for use as an Airbnb rental herself. Her first-hand experience resonated with many owners navigating strict requirements on parking, guest behavior, and operational protocols. Brahler described how the process, much like in Colorado, already demands adherence to various rules—even without city-imposed regulations. In her view, the market’s current expectations on platforms like Airbnb encourage a certain amount of self-regulation. Owners naturally keep standards high, knowing reviews and star ratings drive rental opportunities.
Brahler observed that these community-driven systems often address concerns before they become problems. Hosts, motivated by guest feedback, maintain strict standards to secure positive reviews and repeat bookings. Denver property owners see the same effects: regular property inspections, high cleaning standards, and proactive communication improve guest experiences and guard neighborhood interests.
When to Set Rules: Proactive or Reactive?
Another side of the debate came from council member Mike Smith. Smith questioned whether strict new local guidelines were necessary, given the current climate. He argued that without evidence of recurring issues within the community, there may be little reason to introduce formal rules that could complicate property ownership unnecessarily. At the time of the discussion, Murphy confirmed that only two Airbnb-style rentals operated within St. Clairsville, with no documented complaints.
It’s a scenario that echoes larger markets as well—many well-run vacation rentals coexist quietly with full-time residents, going years without community complaints. But the question lingers: should municipalities wait until concerns arise, or establish safeguards before problems occur?
Long-Term vs. Short-Term: Maintenance and Neighborhood Impact
Council member Kristi Lipscomb brought a different concern to light. While short-term rentals seem well maintained, she’s troubled by the condition of some long-term rental properties. Lipscomb expressed frustration that, at times, neglected properties stand out—making it obvious to passersby which homes are rented rather than owner-occupied.
She cited situations where several contractors or workers, such as those in gas and oil industries, crowd into a single property, resulting in too many vehicles or wear on homes and neighborhoods. Lipscomb argued that some regulation might encourage owners to hold their rental properties to the same standards as other homes in the city, easing tension and reducing complaints from longtime residents.
Still, Lipscomb acknowledged a clear difference with short-term rental owners. She pointed out that hosts managing vacation rentals tend to maintain higher standards, driven by the need for regular inspections and the power of guest reviews. Frequent turnover and attention to guest satisfaction mean these properties often remain in better shape than their long-term rental counterparts.
The Influence of Public Ratings
Brahler supported this notion, highlighting that guest-driven rating systems on platforms like Airbnb naturally motivate owners to invest in upkeep and cleanliness. Higher ratings directly encourage repeat business, so there’s a financial incentive for short-term rental owners to prioritize maintenance. The reality is simple: well-cared-for properties do better in booking rankings and create better neighborhood relationships.
Beyond Rentals: The Bigger Picture of Community Rules
Police Chief Matt Arbenz shifted the conversation to a broader concern: companies purchasing homes in residential neighborhoods and converting them into rehabilitation facilities. While these aren’t short-term vacation rentals, the presence of such homes—especially near schools—has triggered strong reactions from locals. Arbenz described a case where a newly opened rehab house experienced several incidents within its first week of operation, causing frustration among neighbors. The challenge? Without a local ordinance, law enforcement had little authority to intervene.
Arbenz underscored the need for some type of city ordinance to prevent companies from turning ordinary homes into group facilities, especially when the community feels vulnerable to sudden changes. Murphy reiterated that the city would need guidance from its law director before taking action. This echoes the broader challenge for property managers in growing markets: how do you balance the needs of investors, renters, and lifelong residents?
Legal Limits: The Role of Federal Housing Law
Law director Joe Vavra explained that the issue is far from simple. While some may want to ban certain types of group homes, the Federal Housing Act protects these properties as necessary accommodations for people with disabilities. Vavra assured the council that he would research what’s possible but clarified that cities cannot use zoning laws to unfairly restrict group homes. Under federal law, both for-profit and nonprofit organizations can operate these homes, serving individuals with various disabilities, whether or not support services are provided.
According to equalhousing.org, group homes may be run by individuals or organizations, operated for profit or as nonprofits, and sometimes licensed under local or state programs. Recovery homes for persons overcoming substance abuse—also known as “sober homes”—fall under similar protections.
This federal protection serves as a reminder: well-meaning local guidelines must align with broader legal requirements, adding complexity to conversations about rental property regulation. Denver property managers know that local zoning, state statutes, and federal guidelines must all be considered when crafting operational policies.
What’s Next for Local Rental Regulations?
The discussion in St. Clairsville isn’t just meaningful locally—it represents the same questions that pop up in Denver, the Foothills, and communities across the country in 2025. Clear property management and well-crafted guidelines shape the success of neighborhoods, property owners, and guests alike. While St. Clairsville’s city council debates the specifics, the need for balance rings true: communities thrive when the rules protect neighbors, respect federal laws, and give responsible property managers room to deliver a better experience for everyone involved.