By Jamie Kelly, Bulletin editor
City Councilwoman Deborah Gross has proposed a set of regulations that would limit the number of short-term rentals allowed in Pittsburgh and require a license to offer such rentals.
The legislation, announced in mid-July, would also impose a penalty of up to $500 on people who violate the ordinance.
Under the proposal, in zoning districts where short-term rentals are a permitted use, there will be a limit of no more than two short-term rentals in buildings of 20 or fewer units and five in buildings with more than 20 units.
In zoning districts where short-term rentals require a special exception, there will be a limit of 1 unit per lot.
Also included is a provision about accessory units as short-term rentals. The proposal requires the owner of record of the short-term rental unit to live on the same property as the unit and limits the number of short term rentals to one per property.
In order to receive a license, the owner of the short-term rental will have to apply, undergo an inspection and abide by a series of regulations, including recording the identity of those who stay and an affidavit signed by the owner attesting the property is not subject to any contractual restrictions precluding the property from being used as a short-term rental.