The issue is the presence of investor-operated AirBnBs/STRs (Short Term Rentals) in our Annapolis residential neighborhoods.

Tourist destinations and surrounding counties have already committed to keep their families and residential neighborhoods safe and property values protected. In order to secure our own welfare, we must make our voice heard here in Annapolis.  

Thanks to current city regulations, anyone can open and operate a full-time AirBnB next to our homes here in Annapolis without having to reside in the home.  Soon we could be living next door to an unstaffed motel!

Some of us thought we were far enough from downtown to be affected. Unfortunately, we were wrong. All our Annapolis residential neighborhoods are at risk. Now every weekend we wonder what the incessant flow of strangers will bring this time‽ a party house with “friendly” intoxicated strangers trespassing in our yards? a procession of 20 cars taking over our parking spaces? annoying infringement of City noise regulations? These are examples of actual recent incidents here in our neighborhoods!

Our Annapolis City Council has the responsibility and authority to modify the regulations to protect its residents. The leaders of other jurisdictions have taken action to prevent such horrors. Tourist destinations such as Newport News VA, Charleston SC, Washington DC, New York City, and our neighboring jurisdictions of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County have decided to protect their residents and add “owner’s principal residence” as one of the requirements to operate an “AirBnB/STR”. Our city council must do the same to preserve our safety, property values and protect housing availability for our local residents 

Sincerely,

Your Annapolis Neighbors

Email us at annapolis4neighbors@gmail.com