MILTON, Del. — The Milton Town Council is calling on its Planning and Zoning Commission to review and provide recommendations on zoning-related regulations for short-term rentals, as the town continues to address growing concerns from residents over their impact on local neighborhoods.
The advisory request asks the commission to submit a formal report by Sept. 8, outlining potential zoning strategies to manage short-term rentals in residential areas.
Dean Abbott, a downtown Milton homeowner, believes zoning rules are essential to preserving neighborhood character.
“Having the ability to know your neighbors is invaluable,” Abbott said. “There’s no way around it. It makes for a stronger, better neighborhood.”
Abbott supports a clearer separation between short-term rental properties and traditional residential zones. He argues that unchecked growth of short-term rentals undermines community cohesion.
“There are other places they can go in Milton without doing damage.”
In June, the council passed an ordinance requiring licenses for short-term rentals, defined as properties rented for 30 days or fewer, and added occupancy limits.
Not all locals agree with tightening restrictions. Jammie Barry said short-term rentals are important for Milton’s tourism economy, though she supports reasonable regulation.
“I think we need them,” Barry said. “The rules have to be in place, and that’s what keeps the town charming. It keeps the infrastructure keeping up with tourism and the neighborhoods that are coming along.”
The Milton Town Council meets Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Milton Library.