As St. Clairsville continues to grow and attract new residents and visitors, the discussion surrounding short-term rental properties such as Airbnbs has found its way to City Council. The conversation, led by Planning and Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy, revealed a tension between maintaining the character of neighborhoods and avoiding unnecessary regulation that could stifle property owners or discourage investment.

Murphy’s question to council was straightforward: Should the city consider setting guidelines for short-term rentals within city limits? His inquiry was not a push for sweeping new rules, but an invitation for dialogue. The city already has regulations for bed-and-breakfast operations, but none for Airbnb-type properties, which are a relatively new presence. Murphy pointed out that other communities often distinguish between the two — primarily because bed-and-breakfasts serve food while short-term rentals do not — and that considerations such as adequate parking are typically part of the conversation.

Murphy also noted his concern about overregulation, emphasizing that while the city should protect neighborhood integrity, it must not become heavy-handed in dictating what homeowners can or cannot do with their properties. That balanced perspective is one worth embracing.

Council members offered reasoned insight. Audry Brahler, who is converting a property into an Airbnb, said that the process is already rigorous and largely self-regulated, noting that platforms like Airbnb monitor host compliance and guest behavior closely. Her point touches on a reality of today’s sharing economy: the marketplace often enforces its own standards, with customer reviews driving hosts to maintain clean, well-managed properties.

Councilwoman Kristi Lipscomb added another layer to the discussion — suggesting that long-term rentals may actually present greater challenges to neighborhood upkeep. She observed that short-term rental owners are often more attentive to their properties because success depends on positive guest ratings. In contrast, some long-term rental properties, she noted, have fallen into disrepair.

These are the kinds of nuanced observations that make for sound policymaking. It would be a mistake for the city to overreact to a problem that, by Murphy’s own account, does not currently exist — with only two known Airbnb properties in St. Clairsville. Still, it is equally prudent for the city to establish a clear framework before problems arise. Guidelines focusing on essentials — parking availability, occupancy limits, and adherence to existing nuisance and safety laws — would provide structure without intrusion.

St. Clairsville’s leaders have the right idea: discuss, research, and act. Sensible guidelines — not broad overreach — will ensure that neighborhoods remain stable while allowing responsible property owners to participate in a changing economy. The key is balance, and the time to work is before problems appear on the doorstep.