Ross Twp. resumes discussion of short-term rental ordinance

Ross Township supervisors resumed their short-term rental ordinance discussion during Monday’s monthly meeting.

“I think we need to put some wheels in motion tonight,” said Vice Chairman David Shay.

The three supervisors — Shay, Chairwoman Tina Drake and Supervisor James Zahoroiko — studied the zoning map beside their table before announcing to allow short-term rentals in general commercial and village commercial zoning areas.

This short-term rental ordinance pertains to residents who rent their home or a room to someone for less than 30 days.

Shay said this ordinance is “not a bed-and-breakfast issue. This is something completely different.”

Whereas the owner and operator of a bed-and-breakfast is usually on-site and renting a couple rooms to guests, owners of these other rental properties are not on-site except occasionally to collect a payment or check on the residence.

The owner is turning over the whole house to guests.

There are a ton of issues that could arise, such as failing septic systems and overcrowding, Shay said.

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, solicitor Tim McManus said at last month’s meeting.

McManus’ next step is to amend the original zoning ordinance so that short-term rentals are allowed in the general commercial and village commercial zoning areas.

Once the supervisors have reviewed the amended ordinance, they can enact it.

In other business

• Supervisors discussed the repair of Flyte Schoolhouse roof. Shay said there is a keystone grant the township can apply for through the Pennsylvania Historical District when the new grant cycle begins in November. To address the immediate concern, which is a hole in the roof, supervisors approved the purchase of a tarp to cover the entire roof.

• Supervisors announced that Secretary-Treasurer Danielle Romano’s 90-day review date is March 9. They met with her during an executive session and later passed a motion to keep her in the role and increase her pay from $15 to $17 an hour, as she has met her probationary expectations.

• The annual permit-free yard sale day is May 2. Residents may set up yard sales on their property from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Spring cleanup days are April 17 and 18. Residents may bring TVs, refrigerators, other appliances and tires. The normal fee schedule applies.

• Supervisors will post an employment advertisement on www.indeed.com for a planning commission secretary and agriculture security secretary. This person would attend the groups’ meetings and prepare documents.