City of Savannah, Petitioner (File No. 18-002580-ZA) is recommending approval of a rezoning text amendment to Article A, Section 8-3002 (Definitions).

In 2017, the City of Savannah adopted Article P of the zoning ordinance entitled Hotel Development Overlay District, which, among other changes, amended several definitions related to lodging uses including Hotels, Motels and Inns. The City has found that it is necessary to provide additional clarity to the definition of Inn in order to differentiate from other lodging uses. City staff has found that certain language in some of the lodging definitions has inadvertently permitted some property owners to circumvent the regulations associated with Short-Term Vacation Rentals.

The City of Savannah has worked with stakeholders in the hospitality industry to balance the potential impacts of short-term lodging uses on permanent residents. The proposed language change for the definition of Inn, should help clarify the difference, in terms of requirements, and allow permit officials to more easily explain the difference in lodging uses.

On December 11, 2018, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the amendment to the Inn definition.

On advice of legal council, staff recommends a further amendment on top of what was approved by the planning commission.

Sec. 8-3002. Definitions

Inn. - A lodging establishment for transient guests with no more than 15 guest rooms. Must be owner-occupied or provide 24-hour / 7 day a week onsite staff. Any on-premises use that is accessible by the general public, such as a restaurant, bar or event/assembly space, is a separate principal use and must be an allowed use in the base zoning district. Any on-premises use that is accessible only by hotel inn guest is an accessory us.

Approval