If and when Airbnb-type rentals start popping up in Freeport, borough officials say they will be ready.

Council unanimously approved an ordinance governing short-term rentals offered by businesses such as Airbnb.

The ordinance defines short-term rentals as a dwelling unit or part of one, that is available to rent for less than 30 consecutive days.

It requires the owners of such properties in Freeport to pay an initial registration fee of $50 and then again every year thereafter.

The owners must submit to an initial property inspection and then an annual inspection in each subsequent year. There is no charge for the annual inspections. However, if a property is in violation of the borough code that must be addressed, the subsequent reinspections will cost $25 each.

Violations of the ordinance can carry a penalty, including parking limitations which can carry a fine of up to $300.

Although the borough has no short-term rentals presently, council took the action in anticipation that they will crop up as more hikers and bike riders are attracted to the region’s trails, such as the Butler-Freeport Community Trail and the Tredway Trail, which connect to the borough.

As they make their journeys, those outdoor enthusiasts likely will look for lodging for several days — the type of accommodations offered by Airbnb, Vrbo and other similar online clearinghouses for short-term, vacation lodging.

Parking concerns

Parking — a constant issue in the borough — was an issue that prompted council to table the bill previously to give officials time to address it.

In the measure that was approved this week, short-term rental properties will have two parking spaces available to their tenants.

But whether it proves workable remains to be seen since most of the parking in the borough is on-street, public parking.

“If you are allowed two spaces and they bring 12 people, what are you going to do about it?” Councilwoman Lori Miller asked. “It’s a moot point — it’s public parking.”

Councilwoman Sally Rilley questioned the wisdom of the parking limitations, noting that if council limits parking for short-term rentals, “How do you not do it for everything else?”

Solicitor Matthew Kalina said violating the limit could result in the property owner’s occupancy permit being revoked as well as a fine.

The matter did not stand in the way of the ordinance’s passage.

“I think it’s a great starting point, it’s encouraging the Airbnbs,” said Councilwoman Kimberly Barr, who made the motion to approve the ordinance.

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