Rachel Ravina/Bayside Gazette
Members of the Berlin Planning Commission discuss several topics during a meeting last Wednesday evening.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(Oct. 17, 2019) Berlin Planning Commission Chairman Chris Denny took a moment to inquire about existing policies regarding Airbnb’s and short-term rental properties during a meeting last Wednesday.

“We’ve just touched it. We haven’t really done any huge amount of work,” said Berlin Planning Director Dave Engelhart.

Denny stressed the importance of taking an aggressive approach.

“We need to catch up to not just the 20th century, but the 21st century,” Denny said.

Denny prompted the discussion after addressing a complaint about an incident during the unsanctioned modified foreign car event last month in Ocean City.

Denny said there were “six or seven of them” “doing burnouts” in a parking lot around 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 22 off Old Ocean City Boulevard in Berlin. Denny added they were staying at a home that is used as a short-term rental property.

Officials would not provide the homeowner’s identity.

“I think we need to be very proactive in this,” said Commission Vice-chairman Ron Cascio.

Cascio also referenced instances in Lewes, Delaware, where homeowners are selling and moving away because of the increased car traffic associated with Airbnb’s and other online rental companies.

“That’s their concern. It could diminish their property values,” Engelhart said.

Engelhart said there is language within the town code for owner-occupied bed and breakfasts.

When asked about how many unrelated people can stay in a short-term rental property, Engelhart said the town code establishes occupancy based on square footage.

Ocean City has revamped its rental license program, and Worcester County is in the process of creating its rules. However, Engelhart said Berlin has an “honor basis” for property owners to get that license.

Engelhart also said he had spoken with then-Town Administrator Laura Allen about updating the policy, but that additional staff members would be required to enforce it.

“We’re aware of it. We have to address it,” Engelhart said.