Idaho Falls Planning Commission approve short term rental ordinance

In a public hearing that lasted until nearly 11:00 pm, the Idaho Falls Planning Commission voted to approve an ordinance that allows short term rentals of less than 30 days in all residential neighborhoods.

Currently, there are no zoning ordinances that even mention short term rentals, but with the rise in popularity of sites like AirBnB and Vacation Rentals By Owner, communities across the country are struggling with how to handle them. Zoning staff proposed an ordinance that would allow them. This comes after a survey showed the vast majority of respondents in the city approved of them.

Supporters of short term rentals said they are good for the community.

“Income is generally reinvested in the properties, which improves the values of downtown and the numbered streets and that type of thing,” said Graham Jones.

While Local News 8 was at the meeting all the comments were in favor of short term rentals. After three hours of ordinance explanation and public comments, the board approved it with some minor modifications.

The measure now goes to the city council.