Wabasha AirBnb Moritorium

The Wabasha City Council met for a regular meeting on August 5 and approved a six-month moratorium on Airbnbs (short-term rentals).

According to the Wabasha Herald, during the public comment period at the June City Council meeting, several concerned community members brought to the Council's attention the issues of Airbnbs or short-term rentals crowding their neighborhood on Skyline Drive.

Resident Casey Elliot expressed disappointment about living next to homes that function as "de facto hotels," filled with new visitors every weekend. He urged city officials to remember that these houses were originally intended to be homes for families.

Several other residents, including owners of short-term rental properties and those advocating for local businesses, supported the continuation of Airbnb and shortterm rentals, highlighting the benefits to tourism and foot traffic in the area.

In a statement, Mayor Emily Durand says before moving forward with an effective solution for the shortterm rental issue, the City needs to explore various options, which is why a moratorium is necessary.

Mayor Durand emphasized that short-term rentals contribute to the local economy, making it a top priority for the Council to reach an understanding and agreement on this matter.