Seneca primed to vote on amended short-term rental rules

After hearing the city administrator discuss changes to the proposed ordinance, Seneca Mayor Alexander last night indicated short-term rules will be placed on the city council table for a second reading vote next month. City Administrator Moulder outlined changes to the proposal that are designed for the city to better regulate the practice of property owners renting their homes for short-term use to, among others, college football fans. One key as to what the city wants to accomplish, according to Moulder, is assurance that the visitors enjoy their stay in Seneca without disrupting the peace and quiet of their neighbors. Peace and quiet were stressed by four Shorecrest Drive residents who spoke to the mayor and the council during last night’s public comment session. For example, 30-year Shorecrest Drive resident Tommy Hutchins warned that their stable neighborhood is changing. “A good number of houses on the lake are being bought as second homes….The speed laws are 25 miles an hour. A lot of people coming in don’t abide by the speed laws,” he said. Another change to the proposed ordinance deals with the right of property owners associations to dictate to what extent, if any, they will permit their home owners to rent for short-term use. In these instances, according to Moulder, the city will accede to a property owner association’s rules and convenants.