Following the Homer City Council’s introduction of Ordinance 23-61 at their Nov. 13 meeting, which would amend city code to include regulations for short-term rentals, the City of Homer has posted a draft meeting timeline for 2024 on their website.

These meetings present opportunities for the public to weigh in on the proposed regulations and ask questions.

On Tuesday, Jan. 9, the Economic Development Advisory Commission will hold their regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers. Prior, the EDC will hold a work session, beginning at 4:30 p.m., that will include small group breakout conversations to which the public is invited to join.

On Wednesday, Jan. 24, grassroots group Guiding Growth will host a lunchtime Q&A session at Kachemak Bay Campus. The time for this event is still to be determined; as dates and times are confirmed, the draft meeting timeline on the city webpage will be updated accordingly.

A Planning Commission meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 7. Planning Commission regular meetings are held in the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers.

Another EDC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 13. The Planning Commission will also hold another meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 21.

On Monday, Feb. 26, the city council will hold a public hearing for Ordinance 23-61 during their regular meeting, scheduled at 6 p.m. in the Cowles Council Chambers. According to the city webpage, it is likely that there will be a substitute ordinance presented at this meeting, based on public comments received through Feb. 15.

City staff have also posted clarifications online regarding the draft regulations, in response to questions received by city residents.

According to the webpage, as of Dec. 23, there is no cap or limitation proposed on the number of short-term rentals within Homer city limits. The city is currently anticipating that businesses operating short-term rental will be able to register for free through 2024, with required registration and fee payment beginning in 2025. The final fee and enactment date of the regulations will be determined by the city council.

In addition to attending the scheduled meetings, community members may also submit comments online at www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/planning/draft-short-term-rental-regulations. Other resources, including the draft regulations and memorandum, are also available at this site.

Previous coverage by Homer News on the short term rentals ordinance is available at www.homernews.com/news/council-to-consider-short-term-rentals-ordinance/.

For questions, call 907-435-3119 or email planning@ci.homer.ak.us.