NEW RULES TO GO INTO EFFECT NOVEMBER 30, 2019
Providence’s new short-term rental rules will take effect starting November 30, 2019. The amendment to the Zoning Ordinance was passed by the City Council in May of this year.
Short-term rentals are defined as the occupancy or use, for a fee, of all or portions of a dwelling unit by anyone other than the owner for a period of fewer than 28 consecutive calendar days.
Please review the text of the approved zoning ordinance amendment, in addition to the flow chart below, in order to determine how it may affect you. Codified language is available in the Zoning Ordinance, section 1202.K.6 and 1202.L.6
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q. Why is Providence regulating short-term rentals?
A. The approved policies are necessary in a new industry that, until now, has been unregulated by the City. The goal is to create a simple policy that both protects residential neighborhoods and allows homeowners to take advantage of a new possible source of income.
Q: How do I know what zone my property is in?
A: You can look up the zoning information of any property in Providence using the “Where’s my Parcel and What’s my Zone” GIS app found here: http://pvdgis.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html
Q. I’m either an owner-occupant that wants to use a dwelling unit I own for a short-term rental or a property owner with a property outside of the R1, R1A, R2 or R3 zones that I would like to use for a short-term rental. Do I need to do anything before listing my property?
A. Yes, any entire dwelling unit used for a short term rental requires a temporary use permit, available from the Department of Inspection and Standards.
Q. What am I required to provide for the temporary use permit?
A. You will be required to provide the address and unit number of the property being used for the short term rental, in addition to certifying you have read and understand the regulations. If the property being used is in the R1, R1A, R2 or R3 zones, you will be required to show proof of residence in the form of a copy of your property tax record showing your homestead exemption.
Q. I want to rent a room in my house as a short term rental, what do I need to do?
A. If you are renting a room in an apartment in which you reside and in which will be living during the term of the rental, you do NOT need a permit.
Q. I have already booked rooms that are not allowed under the ordinance, what do I do?
A. The City Council passed the short-term rental legislation in May of 2019 with a six-month delay to allow hosts to fulfill booking obligations. Once the ordinance goes takes effect on November 30, 2019, you must conform to the regulations.
Q. Why do you require visible fire extinguishers and points of exit maps?
A. Providence’s housing stock is old, and in many cases, apartments have unusual layouts. It is essential that visitors have a basic safety overview of the home prior to staying in order to reduce the possibility of fire-related accidents.
Further information and/or questions about this policy can be directed to the Department of Planning and Development.
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