A new short term rental law is in talks for Walden.
The village board is considering the new law largely based on the Village of Goshen’s established short term rental local law that was provided by Village of Walden Attorney David Donovan to jumpstart the discussion.

The purpose, as written in Goshen’s law, is “...to promote the public health, safety and welfare by establishing regulations, permitting and enforcement procedures related to Short Term Rentals within the Village Code.” Short term rentals are places like AirBnB and VRBO.

Goshen’s law describes short term rentals as, “Offering any residential dwelling, or space therein, to persons in exchange for a fee or compensation, whether monetary or otherwise, for a period of less than thirty (30) days…”

Some of the regulations within Goshen’s law include, but aren’t limited to, getting rental permits, only allowing single-family rentals, authorizing only short-term rentals at owner-occupied property, and no additional parking spaces between the primary rental property and the street.

While many members of the board were happy with the introduction, some shared concerns. Trustee Becky Pearson worried about the enforcement of this local law.

“There’s a lot more that can be added,” Pearson stated, referring to the Goshen law the board referenced as their starting point. She added that tighter definitions would also help.

“There are many hurdles to go through before it becomes a law. Many have to do with making it strong enough like any law, with good definitions and wording to help code enforcement do the best job,” Pearson commented.

Trustee Lynn E. Thompson stated she thinks the Goshen law does cover some of Pearson’s concerns, but does also wonder about enforcement. Trustee Patricia Maher brought up the idea of bringing people from different villages that enforce this law already to a meeting to learn more. Thompson stated they could ask how they handle the enforcement of it then.

There is no public hearing set for this law, as it is just in discussion among the board members. However, members were encouraged to send comments to Donovan so he could prepare a draft in the meantime.