Milton, Del. — The Milton Town Council approved an ordinance establishing licensing requirements for short-term rentals, including properties listed on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. The ordinance defines short-term rentals as residential units rented for 30 days or fewer, limits occupancy to two people per bedroom (excluding children under 6), and requires a local contact available 24/7 to address potential issues. The new rules prohibit commercial activities or public events at rental properties and mandate that owners provide renters with a “good neighbor” brochure.
Advertisements for rentals must disclose occupancy limits, parking rules, and the prohibition on commercial use. Repeated violations could result in license revocation and a one-year delay on new licenses. Council views the ordinance as a first step in regulating short-term rentals, with plans to ask the planning and zoning commission to examine zoning impacts in a future resolution expected in July. Currently, Milton has 11 short-term rentals.
Officials expressed concerns about preserving neighborhood character, especially downtown, while noting that some outlying developments already restrict short-term rentals through covenants. Councilman Robert Gray called for a comprehensive approach to rental regulation, citing inconsistencies with how bed and breakfasts are treated. Vice Mayor Lee Revis-Plank cautioned against measures that might unfairly target historic areas. The council unanimously passed the licensing ordinance and directed planning and zoning to prepare an advisory report on zoning implications.
