The central topic of the meeting was the potential regulation of short-term rentals, fueled by concerns over housing availability and neighborhood dynamics. The council had previously engaged in preliminary discussions about short-term rentals, particularly in the downtown district. However, recent deliberations expanded the focus to include various residential zones, recognizing the need for a broader, comprehensive approach.

Council members deliberated on creating a framework to manage short-term rentals, considering the limited housing stock in St. Joseph. There was a discussion about the potential impact of these rentals on the local housing market, with concerns that allowing non-owner-occupied short-term rentals could exacerbate the housing shortage. The council considered regulatory approaches such as owner-occupied versus non-owner-occupied rentals, with the former requiring the owner’s primary residence to match the rental property, potentially reducing the loss of housing stock.

The council also debated capping the number of short-term rentals. This approach aims to balance the availability of permanent housing with the demand for short-term rental options. Mixed-use developments were highlighted as potential areas for short-term rental conversions, prompting discussions on maintaining a balance between permanent residences and rental opportunities.

Further considerations included enforcement strategies for short-term rentals, emphasizing noise control, nuisance complaints, and the role of law enforcement. The idea of a three-strike policy was proposed, where repeated violations could lead to revoking rental licenses. The importance of collecting lodging tax from short-term rentals was stressed, noting its contribution to the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Despite these discussions, there was uncertainty about the presence of short-term rentals within St. Joseph, as participants noted no current listings within city limits and no registered complaints. This lack of data prompted a suggestion to establish a minimal regulatory framework, allowing the city to monitor any emerging short-term rental market without imposing excessive restrictions.

The council also discussed the potential for a short-term rental ordinance to define what constitutes such a rental and to implement a permitting process linked to a lodging tax. This would enable the city to track rentals and provide homeowners with guidelines for compliance. Participants compared the situation in St. Joseph to other communities with higher tourist traffic, acknowledging that the local market might not yet support a robust short-term rental industry.

In addition to short-term rental discussions, the council explored the regulation of beekeeping within city limits. Participants expressed varying opinions on the feasibility and implications of allowing residents to keep bees, citing safety concerns and the need for appropriate setbacks and standards. The conversation highlighted the importance of bees to local agriculture, given the decline in pollinators and growing interest in gardening and honey production.

Speakers referenced guidelines from the University of Minnesota and examples from other communities to inform potential regulations. Discussions included setting limits on the number of hives per property and distinguishing between personal and commercial beekeeping operations. There was consensus on the need for minimal regulatory burdens, with suggestions for public information resources to educate residents about bees and their behavior.