Short-term rentals

Asked whether the added STR revenue will cover the increased policing costs studies show come with Airbnbs.

Cited research linking Airbnb growth to rising rents; wants rules targeting corporate investors, not individual owners; announced candidacy for State House District 4.

A nurse with two rentals beside and across from her home; wants STRs banned from standard residential subdivisions to protect family neighborhoods.

20-year Oakbrook Circle resident says the nearby Airbnb brings marijuana smell and street parking; worried about home value and quality of life.

New father presented a 648-signature petition and asked for a six-month moratorium, saying most of the 190 permits will hit Madison's most affordable neighborhoods.

Spoke for STR owner John Fellows and himself, praising the space, cost savings, and family benefits of STRs over hotels.

Retiree who runs a five-star Airbnb to supplement Social Security fears the fees and red tape will force him to convert to a long-term rental.

Argued STRs aren't hurting Madison housing data, questioned the $350 fee as a disguised tax, and thanked the council for finally acting.

Presented a 33-neighbor letter from February 2025; says the Airbnb next door brought crime and urges Madison to adopt Huntsville's ban in single-family districts.

Silver Creek resident wants deed-restriction acknowledgment, two-day minimums, boarder exclusions, and renter minimum age added to the ordinance.

Longtime real estate owner and Airbnb superhost says STRs fill a crucial gap for displaced families and visiting relatives; no parties in five years.

Next-door neighbor to the Howards' STR for years with no problems; praised the courteous Minnesota grandparents who rent it.

Runs two furnished rentals serving displaced families and house-hunters; asked for grandfathering consideration and a mid-term category beyond one month.

Questioned how an existing operator got permission when STRs were illegal, and cited a screenshot of a website post saying planning didn't want STRs in single-family areas.

Former five-star host who closed her Harvest rental after Huntsville's rules changed; asked how the 190 cap was set and worried corporate investors could crowd out individual hosts.

Lifelong resident with an STR across the street: gravel in the ditch, standing water, cars in the yard, overflowing trash, loud trucks at 5:30 a.m.; worried about the 190 cap in non-HOA areas.

Widow flooded with out-of-state corporate offers to buy her home; believes resident owners would take better care of properties than corporations.

Huntsville man with Madison rentals said he felt attacked and betrayed, defended host screening practices, and questioned the arbitrary 190 cap.

Describes a block-away STR near Ace Hardware as a 'monstrosity' — lights, pool parties, three-foot grass — and says grandfathering without fees is unacceptable.

The commission received a written letter from the Fellows advocating for allowing short-term rentals in single-family areas of Madison.