Asheville City Council curtails short-term rentals downtown

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Asheville City Council on Tuesday passed an amendment that changed the definitions of specific types of lodging in downtown Asheville.

The amendment makes it so short-term rentals in downtown Asheville are no longer "use by right." That means people who want to have rentals such as Airbnbs must go before City Council to get permission. People who already have permits will be grandfathered in.

The amendment also changes the definition of bed and breakfasts. B&Bs used to be defined as having from four to 20 rooms. Under the new rules, they will have only four to eight rooms.

Although only one council member voted against the amendment, during public hearing people had mixed feelings. Some people encouraged City Council to pass the amendment, but others weren't so sure.

Elisa Alvarado has a homestay in West Asheville. Her business won't be affected by this amendment, but she wanted to express her opinion.

"I want to be in the loop about what it’s changing. Homestays aren’t the target now, but what about next week?" Alvarado asked. "For me, it felt like something I wanted to make sure my voice was heard, that we would like for you to stop curtailing our rights for homestays, wherever they are."

Click here to see the lodgings amendment. Click here to see the agenda for Tuesday night's meeting.