P&Z Work Session 05/19/2026

The City of Seward Planning and Zoning Commission held a work session on May 19, 2026, to prepare for a joint session with the City Council regarding short-term rental (STR) regulations. The discussion focused on potential regulatory options including caps on STRs, owner-occupancy requirements, and how STRs operate within commercial zoning districts. The commission reviewed previous code changes from 2023, current STR data, and enforcement practices. Various approaches were considered, such as implementing caps on STR permits, incentivizing long-term housing through tax breaks or mixed-use requirements, and addressing zoning inconsistencies. No final policy decisions were made, but the commission aimed to gather diverse viewpoints to inform future council discussions. The session highlighted the balance between supporting tourism and local business while addressing housing affordability and availability concerns related to STRs.