Airbnb is coming to an end in Plainsboro after the township committee introduced an ordinance prohibiting short term residential rentals. There will be a public hearing on the ordinance at the June 22 committee meeting.
The ordinance defines “short term rental” as the rental of any dwelling or sleeping unit for “not more than 30 days.” A period of occupancy under 31 days is considered a “transient” use of property, and properties approved for “permanent residential occupancy” are prohibited from offering short-term rentals.
Websites such as Airbnb makes it easier for homeowners to arrange deals with short-term occupants, and the ordinance cites the rapid growth of short-term rentals in town. In addition to protecting and preserving residential neighborhoods from the additional traffic, parking, demand, and noise of transient occupants, the ordinance states “short-term rentals directly affect township commercial establishments that are correctly zoned for this type of use,” i.e. hotels.
There have been reports of homeowners turning their houses into rooming houses, for example a large house with multiple sublet rooms.
The penalty for violating the short term rental prohibition is $50 to $500, and additional violations carry fines of $500 to $5,000. Being in continual violation for several days could constitute several separate violations, all of which will be penalized.
By press time, a search for Plainsboro rentals on Airbnb listed a few private rooms leasing for $100 to $125 a night, not including cleaning and service fees.
In other news, the township committee approved a $2.5 million bond ordinance at the June 8 committee meeting. Nearly $2 million will finance road improvements and maintenance, as well as crosswalks at Maple Avenue/Plainsboro Dam. More than $300,000 will pay for public works equipment and the reconstruction of tennis courts at Plainsboro Park and two dugout replacements at Community Park. The police department is allocated more than $125,000 for the acquisition of body cameras, in-car video recording equipment, and automatic license plate readers.
The committee also renewed liquor licenses at 11 establishments: Ruby Tuesday; Salt Creek Grille; Tre Piani; Ruth’s Chris Steak House; Courtyard by Marriott; Princeton Homewood Suites; Westin Princeton Hotel; Crowne Plaza; Princeton Marriott Hotel; Plainsboro Wine & Liquor; and The Wine Valley.
