Milton, Del. — The Milton Town Council has asked the Planning and Zoning Commission to further review proposals regulating short-term rentals in the downtown area. During its April 7 meeting, the council accepted an advisory report from the commission but requested additional information on various aspects of short-term rentals. The commission did not address the issue during its April 22 meeting, and will next review it on Tuesday, May 20. The rise of Airbnb and Vrbo properties in Milton has sparked concern among residents and officials. There is a growing fear that these rentals could replace owner-occupied homes, potentially transforming the town into a vacation rental hub. Both the council and commission are eager to address this issue before it becomes widespread. The commission finalized its report in March, following two public meetings and a workshop.
The report draws on similar regulations from surrounding towns, particularly Lewes. It defines short-term rentals as properties rented for 30 days or less, with occupancy limited to two people per bedroom, with exceptions for children under 6. Rentals must have a local contact person available 24/7 to respond to concerns. Three violations could lead to the revocation of a property’s rental license. Council members voiced concerns about the impact of short-term rentals on the town’s future, with some suggesting the need for a more comprehensive plan addressing both short-term and long-term rentals in the community.
