Vestavia Hills City Council To Research Airbnb Short-Term Rentals

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — After receiving a myriad of complaints, the Vestavia Hills City Council in its Oct. 23 meeting address short-term rentals in the city through sites like Airbnb. The council explored the issue during the meeting to determine whether or not preexisting ordinances would prevent such rentals within the city.

The council plans to research and hold public forums to gauge resident response to the issue. Mayor Ashley Curry also recommended that the council form a committee to specifically address the issue.

Prior to any official business, the council heard from Donald Harwell with the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority on the organization's progress over the past few months, which included the building of a central station, which opened during the summer, and intermodal facility, which is set to open in January.

The council also received a report on the white-way lighting project on U.S. 31, which saw 120 of the streetlights on the Vestavia Hills side of the road changed to cost- and energy-efficient LED bulbs on Monday. The council discussed requirements for the new MS4 permit for stormwater management, and voted in favor of an amendment to an ordinance on a lien on 3363 Mountainside Road.

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