Property owners who rent out their homes for short-term vacation rentals must now designate a local contact person to respond to disturbances or emergencies.

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 on Nov. 14 to amend Article VI of its code for tourist accommodations. It now requires that a “a person who has access and authority to assume management of the tourist accommodation and take remedial measures” be available 24 hours a day to respond to calls from law or code enforcement officers in case of violations or disturbances. Annual permits are required for such rentals, and the permit number must be posted on all rental ads and/or websites, along with the name and phone number of the local contact. Renters will be notified regarding the maximum number of overnight guests allowed, and that they can be cited for any violations of local regulations.

The commission acknowledged that further revisions to the ordinance might be necessary as circumstance warrant.

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