Pittsburgh residents voice support for bills that would regulate short-term rentals

PITTSBURGH — Dozens gathered Tuesday night as Pittsburgh city officials discussed rental regulations.

The planning commission took up the issue of regulating short-term rentals, and dozens of residents showed up to make their voices heard.

The commission will eventually make recommendations on two bills. One would create a set of rules for short-term rentals, and the other would establish guidelines for short-term rental zoning.

Housing advocates testified their support for the bills. They tell Channel 11 that short-term rentals are ruining their neighborhoods.

“It’s a breakdown of community. It’s a breakdown of knowing your neighbors and feeling safe in your community,” Pamela Rall-Johnston said. “Our Airbnb’s give the weekend or nightly rentals to underage parties that turns into police presence, turns into them rampaging throughout the city, scaring our seniors; we have a lot of seniors in our neighborhood.”

Once the planning commission takes action, the bills would still need the approval of city council and Mayor Corey O’Connor.

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