There is simply no need for OPA to amend the declarations regarding short-term rentals. The County already has in place regulations requiring, among other things, an inspection of the premises so that it complies with zoning, additional parking, payment of a fee, and annual renewals. The County has the power to respond to neighbor complaints and other license violations by imposing fines and taking other actions, such as filing for an injunction, to halt violations and offending behavior. Click the link to read the County law in detail and then ask yourself why should OPA enact more onerous restrictions through an amendment to the declarations. Click Here

In addition to the County rental regulations, neighbors can take other actions against noise and disorderly persons. Call law enforcement. Disorderly conduct applies in OPA just as it does anywhere else and people are still subject to criminal charges for disorderly behavior.

Let the County regulations regarding rentals work. There's simply no need for OPA to try to regulate further rental property in the Pines. If you're a landlord who rents, you should be very concerned about the potential declaration amendments for short-term rentals. If you're not a landlord and one of those people who just does not want short-term rentals in the Pines, you need to think long and hard about the potential harm to your property value if the declarations are amended to regulate short-term rentals. You may think you are protecting your property value by keeping short-term rentals to a minimum, but short-term rentals are the wave of the future and are here to stay. Restrictions on those types of rentals beyond what the County has done will not only limit investors, but will limit your ability to rent your property as you see fit (beyond what is allowed by the County), and likely impact your ability to sell your property in the future.

It's time to reach out to the OPA Board and tell them enough is enough and to focus on other concerns in the community rather than short-term rentals.