St. Augustine's Guide to Short-Term Rental Regulations

Nestled in the embrace of history and the charm of the coast, St. Augustine stands as a testament to time. For property owners in this iconic city, understanding short-term rental regulations is crucial to ensuring compliance and offering guests a seamless stay. Here’s an all-encompassing guide to these regulations.

City’s Code of Ordinances for Short-Term Rentals

The City Commission has delineated specific rules to manage short-term vacation rentals. These vary depending on the zoning of the property:

RS-1 & RS-2 Zoning: Rentals are permitted for periods of one week or longer, post-registration. However, one must note that nightly rentals are prohibited.
HP-1 Zoning: Rentals can be undertaken monthly or for longer durations, but only with proper registration.
Other Zoning Districts: In other zones, properties can be rented on a nightly basis, provided they are registered accordingly.

To delve deeper into these ordinances, the following documents can be referenced:

Business License and Registration

For hosts aiming to list their property, the first step is to register each short-term rental on the designated Registration Portal. It’s essential to understand that each listing requires a unique registration. For instance, if you have two listings on Airbnb, both need separate registrations.

The fee structure, designed by the City Commission, is tiered:

Studio: $294.48 (Note: Studios are designed to accommodate a maximum of two occupants.)
One Bedroom: $368.29
Two Bedrooms: $442.10
Three Bedrooms: $515.92
Four Bedrooms: $589.73
Five or More Bedrooms: $663.54

Additional fees to consider:

Late Renewal: $100
Re-Inspection: $50

One key aspect to remember: if your application faces rejection, or your property doesn’t clear the final inspection, the application fees are non-refundable.

Safety and Housing Standards

Safety remains paramount. The St. Augustine Short-Term Vacation Rental Ordinance mandates a Life-Safety Inspection, conducted by the St. Augustine Fire Department during registration, and subsequently on an annual basis. The fire-safety prerequisites for all short-term rentals can be found here.

Noise and Community Harmony

To foster community harmony and ensure the peace of residents and visitors alike, St. Augustine has outlined specific noise regulations. Anyone facing disturbances can either file an online complaint or call the dedicated helpline at 904-569-7077.

Tax Obligations

St. Johns County has approved an additional 1% tourist development tax, which came into effect on October 1, 2021. As a result, the current tourist development tax rate stands at 5%. For more insights, click here and here.

Additional Rules to Keep in Mind

Parking: Every rental unit should have at least one parking space per bedroom on-site. Alternative arrangements can be made off-site but require special approvals. Parking spaces should be well-constructed with concrete, asphalt, pavers, or gravel. Parking on grass, sand, or mulch is not permissible.

Occupancy Limit: The upper limit for occupancy is twelve individuals, calculated at two persons per bedroom, plus an extra two children under the age of 18.

Annual Inspections: Each rental undergoes a comprehensive inspection annually to ensure compliance in terms of life safety, zoning, and property maintenance.

Finally, the City of St. Augustine’s issuance of the Short Term Rental Registration does not guarantee the complete compliance of the property with city regulations. Property owners are responsible for ensuring full adherence to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, land development protocols, and all city ordinances.

Conclusion

St. Augustine, with its rich tapestry of history and coastal allure, is emerging as a promising hub for Airbnb entrepreneurs. The city, mindful of its legacy and the potential for tourism, has established a robust framework of regulations to streamline short-term rentals. As opportunities beckon in this timeless city, it’s imperative for potential hosts to be well-versed in the city’s ordinances, ensuring not just compliance but also offering a harmonious experience for their guests. With an efficient blend of awareness and adherence, the future for short-term rentals in St. Augustine looks promising and profitable.

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