Detroit Quietly Bans Airbnb (curbed.com)

A new zoning ordinance that quietly went into effect this week has residents trying to figure out what comes next for Airbnb's presence in Detroit. Many hosts have received notices that the city has outlawed Airbnb for R1 and R2 zoning. Curbed Detroit reports: The new zoning ordinance apparently went through the Planning Commission and City Council in 2017, and went into effect this week. The text added to the amendment states: "Use of a dwelling to accommodate paid overnight guests is prohibited as a home occupation; notwithstanding this regulation, public accommodations, including bed and breakfast inns outside the R1 and R2 Districts, are permitted as provided in Sec. 61-12-46 of this Code." The vast majority of Airbnb units in Detroit are in R1 and R2 districts. These do not include places like lofts, apartments, or larger developments. Airbnb has issued a statement saying: "We're very disappointed by this turn of events. Airbnb has served as an economic engine for middle class Detroiters, many of whom rely on the supplemental income to stay in their homes. We hope that the city listens to our host community and permits home sharing in these residential zones."

Comments

Darn and I wanted to visit Detroit!

[blahbooboo]

Well there goes the big vacation I had planned for beautiful downtown Detroit..

Re:Darn and I wanted to visit Detroit!

[PopeRatzo]

Well there goes the big vacation I had planned for beautiful downtown Detroit..

You might be surprised to learn that lots of Detroit has been coming back strong since like 2010. Neighborhoods that were all but abandoned are showing signs of growth and there are lots of areas that are experiencing a full-scale renaissance.

Back in 2017, I visited there for 10 days to give some lectures and participate in a symposium and I got to see areas of the city where I never would have gone ten years ago. I was surprised at how nice it was and how optimistic many of the people who live there have become. There is a vibrant arts community and people really have a community feeling. Detroit will be back.

Because I love you all, here's a little something for you to groove to while you're pondering the Detroit Renaissance:

https://youtu.be/yotCw66_G1g

Just buy

[Dan East]

Detroit has 31,000 empty houses. Wouldn't it just be cheaper to buy a house to stay in for a few days and burn it down or something when you're done with it?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

Re:Dil

[Pfhorrest]

If you own property to rent out, you are not poor.

Re:Not so sure about this

[Pfhorrest]

The exact same thing is true of rent in general. Which isn't an argument for AirBnB, it's an argument against rent in general.