The Village of Franklin held a public forum on March 23, 2023, at the Village Hall office (141 Water Street) at 7:00PM. Present: Mayor Tom Briggs, Trustee Wilson, Trustee VanDeusen, Clerk/Treasurer Niebanck, Deputy Clerk Martin and guests recorded on the sign-in register. The meeting was streamed and recorded on the video platform Zoom.
The purpose of the public forum was to discuss and take questions from the public regarding possible short-term rental regulations and permitting for the Village of Franklin. Draft copies of regulations/permit application handed out to participants.
Mayor’s Comments: Welcome: board of trustees has been discussing short-term rentals within the Village of Franklin; realize economy is trending toward home purchases with the intent of short-term rentals; concerns are empty homes and support of Franklin Central School; approximately 10% (about 20) of homes in the Village of Franklin are empty. Village prepared a draft of regulations and a permit process/application as a starting point.
- Enforcements of ordinances is an important issue
- Concerned about having control of how many permits are issued
- Mayor read letter from real estate agent: “every house sold to someone out of town, some are now AirBnBs. Most calls are from out of state from people who want to live and rent part time”.
- Permitting process would be to slow things down; current short-term rentals would be grandfathered in with growth for some more.
- Definition of Short-Term: something rented on nightly/weekly/monthly basis. Most are 30 days are less.
- There should be a limit on the number of permits issued.
- How is number of occupants regulated? That is often the cause of problems. Code Enforcement could address this by complaint or a call to Sheriff’s office.
- Part of application acceptance would include giving owners phone numbers of Village, Sheriff, Code Officer phone numbers. Include village ordinances/local laws.
- How many permits will be issued? Working on this; there will be a limit (possibly 10).
- Could permitting have zones/districts (limit on certain streets)? Would have to check with attorney.
- Public Hearing will be scheduled for April 10 at 7:00PM.
- Check with County Planning department.
Forum ended at 7:50PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Paula Niebanck
Clerk/Treasurer