County zoning officials have received complaints about the prevalence of Airbnb rentals in Warren County.

Zoning Officer Michael Lyon told members of the county Planning Commission on Tuesday night that there are currently no regulations on the use of a property as an Airbnb.

“(We) consider it like any other rental as long as it’s a single family home,” he said.

But whether that policy will work in the future remains to be seen.

Lyon said he was looking into the issue and came across a state Supreme Court case that found Airbnbs not to be a compatible use in areas suited for single family homes.

He said he’s not aware that the ruling was implemented legislatively but told the commission that he “might have a recommendation down the road on how to address that.”

Lyon said he’s seen as many as 92 Airbnbs listed in Warren County.

“Most are concentrated in the city,” he said, but noted there are “a lot out and about along the river.”

“We’ll be interested in what you find out,” Commission Chair Paul Pascuzzi said.

SOLAR FARM

REGULATIONS

The commission has been grappling with possible commercial solar farm regulations for several months and recommended a final draft to the commissioners, who ultimately are responsible for implementing the regulations.

Lyon said County Solicitor Nathaniel Schmidt reviewed and proposed “no suggestions or changes” as a result of his review.

He said staff made one change, striking a provision that would have required a costly glare study for small arrays a homeowner might install.

“(Our) concern wasn’t really with the homeowner stuff,” County Planner Dan Glotz said. “More the big commercial ones.”

He told the commission that one such farm in Clinton County has resulted in 1,500 acres being clear cut.

“I think we’ve done our due diligence,” Pascuzzi said, consulting with the commissioners and having the regulations reviewed by the solicitor. “This is, as far as I’m concerned, a good team effort.”

Lyon told the commission that three entities have expressed interest, waiting for these regulations to be adopted.

“One of the entities did ask how we’re going to address the removal of timber,” he said. “So they’re looking at an area of the county where they’re going to do some cutting as far as I can tell.”