Atlanta City Council to vote on stricter regulations for ‘party houses’
Party houses taking over Atlanta
The City of Atlanta is trying to get a handle on so-called party houses. Those big parties are being thrown at rental properties, causing a huge headache for unsuspecting neighbors.
ATLANTA - The Atlanta City Council is preparing to vote on proposed changes to ordinances already on the books in hopes of crack down on so-called "party houses."
SEE ALSO: Atlanta seeks to limit short-term party house rentals
What we know:
Councilman Howard Shook says there is some confusion among police officers on a short-handed police force about what defines a party house. He hopes clarifying the definition will bring better enforcement of the law.
Additionally, there is a proposal before the city council to amend the short-term rental ordinance. Typically, short-term rentals host the sometimes-raucous parties.
Under the proposal, single-family and duplex short-term rentals would have to be a minimum of 1,000 feet apart. For apartment complexes, short-term rental licensing could not exceed 10% of the total units.
Also, currently, liability insurance is not mandated. Under the proposed changes, $500,000 in liability insurance would be required and a business license.
Additionally, the cost of a short-term rental licensing fee would jump from $150 to $250.
What they're saying:
"The existing language wasn't being enforced," says Shook." The chief of police, I'm counting on him to go to his people and say ' Hey, I know we are short-handed, but if you roll up on one of these, especially a repeat customer, write the citation."
What's next:
The Atlanta city council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on the matter in March.
The Source: FOX 5's Kevyn Stewart spoke with Atlanta City Councileman Howard Shook.