Ross Twp. continues discussion of short-term rental ordinance
The Ross Township supervisors are, from left, James Zahoroiko, Chairwoman Tina Drake and Vice Chairman David Shay. They meet the first the Monday of the month, unless it is a holiday, and then they meet the second Monday. STACI L. GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Ross Township supervisors continued discussion on their potential short-term rental ordinance during Monday’s monthly meeting.
This pertains to residents who rent their home or a room to someone for less than 30 days.
“This is a licensing document. I’m suggesting you amend your zoning ordinance where you want to have short-term rentals,” said solicitor Tim McManus.
Short-term rentals must comply with various codes, which include working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detector, a contact person who can be reached at any time and a sewer system that passes inspection, he said.
Chairwoman Tina Drake asked if Ross Township had to allow short-term rentals, and McManus said the township should enact a short-term rental ordinance.
He used Jackson Township’s short-term rental ordinance as a template.
“I don’t think I can make a decision right now. I’d need to think about it and look at zones,” said Vice Chairman David Shay.
There might be a zoning amendment, Drake said.
She will talk to their zoning officer and bring it up for discussion at the next Chestnuthill, Jackson, Eldred, Ross, Polk regional meeting.
To Drake and Shay’s knowledge, no Ross resident has complained about a neighbor operating a short-term rental.
Enforcing this kind of ordinance would rely on word from neighbors, such as noise violation complaints or other concerns, said McManus.
More discussion on this potential ordinance will occur at their March meeting.
In other business
• Shay said he is awaiting two bids for the repair of Flyte Schoolhouse roof. Ross Township Historical Society will help the township apply for grant money. Drake is meeting with a slate company soon.
• Supervisors approved the purchase of a new computer with Windows 10 for road foreman Ethan Brewer. His current computer is old and not functioning.
• Roger Christman was appointed as the alternate voting member to CJERP.
• Secretary-Treasurer Danielle Romano was appointed as the Right to Know officer.
