Commissioner Lee Helton, R-East Brainerd, is presenting a compromise to his colleagues that would prohibit short-term vacation rentals on residential properties smaller than 1 acre and agricultural land smaller than 2 acres in unincorporated Hamilton County.
“It’s an imperfect solution, but I think it’s something that gives our residents a little elbow room in their communities,” Helton told commissioners during their meeting Wednesday.
In an interview, Helton said his proposal aims to give residents a little more peace and quiet in their communities. Rentals that permit large parties of guests can produce additional traffic that clogs up parking spots along neighborhood roads.
Last month, commissioners in a 6-5 vote shot down a resolution that would have prohibited short-term vacation rentals in unincorporated residential zones and on agricultural land smaller than 5 acres.