Following in the footsteps of other Chester County towns, Kennett Square is considering by creating an ordinance that restricts short-terms rentals through companies like Airbnb and VRBO, writes Brooke Shultz for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
As it grows in popularity, homebuyers searching in the borough already have a tough time securing a place to live. Chester County itself experienced a high population increase from 2020 to 2024, with the housing supply unable to keep up with demand.
Now, Kennett Square is trying to find a balance between the need for tourism and offering attainable housing.
The need for the ordinance arose after locals witnessed residential homes being turned into rental units. It would restrict future rentals to accessory dwellings only, such as guest houses on the property or above-garage spaces, and limit the property to one rental unit at a time.
Additionally, the borough would recommend a cap of 20 rentals throughout town. With 25 full-time rentals currently registered, it would mean no more can be added, but no one is going to be shut down.
“We are a vacation destination with Longwood Gardens so close. We want to have those options for people…” said Doug Doerfler, chairman of the planning commission. “But we really heard that the biggest priority was keeping our neighborhoods and keeping that spirit of neighborhood as part of the community.”
The Kennett council will determine in the next few weeks if the ordinance passes after revision.
Read more about Kennett Square considering a ruling regarding short-term rentals in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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