Narragansett Town Council passes short-term rental ordinance, second reading still needed

(WJAR) — The Narragansett Town Council is still working to limit short-term rentals.

The town council president stressed during a lengthy debate that Narragansett is not prohibiting short-term rentals, but simply regulating them.

The revised ordinance passed 4 to 1 during its first reading.

It's an issue other communities around Rhode Island are also dealing with while the state faces a housing shortage.

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Some councilors have concerns about affordability in the beachside community.

The proposal would mandate a seven-night minimum for short-term rentals, and town leaders are now considering making it three.

The ordinance would also decrease the number of short-term rental permits over the next few years.

The revised ordinance still needs a second reading before it takes effect.