Town Issues First ‘Air BNB’ Permit

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

Over a year ago the Town Council called for a way to regulate “Air BNB”-type establishments and other similar room sharing arrangements

Last Thursday night the Zoning Board of Appeals issued a special permit to Ken Goodwin and Jesus Magarinos who own a home on 30 Tilestone Street. They have two extra bedrooms that they rent out on a short term basis.

This is the first time that the Town has granted this permit under the new town ordinance passed several months ago for room sharing type programs such as Air BNB, which Goodwin and Magarinos use. The intent of the ordinance is to provide a legal and safe, sanitary room for a guest. The two had been in the practice of hosting guest and worked with the Ordinance Review Committee to craft the ordinance.

One issue facing the Goodwin and Magarinos was the number of rooms to let. Goodwin said his mother does come to visit for three-week period, the Zoning Board reminded him that while she is visiting they are only allowed to rent out one other room.

People who use Air BNB and similar programs sign up via computer to find rooms arounds the world. Once they stay at a place they write a little review and leave comments about the host and others sign on.

Winthrop is popular because it is close to the airport and Boston. Neighbors of Goodwin and Magarinos expressed concern about the safety of their children and guests who say hello to them when they are playing in the yard.

According to the ordinance anyone involved in room sharing has too apply for a “transient lodging” permit, the owner must be present at all times, no room may be rented to anyone for more than 14 days, there must be a guest register, there should be a parking management plan (which includes one parking space per guest), no cooking or appliance shall be in  the room, there should be a dedicated bathroom for guests, there must also be a sign with a contact number on it (this is to avoid strangers going to the wrong property).