Third Time's A Charm? Plainfield Takes Another Crack at Short-Term Rental Rules

The Plainfield City Council on Monday approved an ordinance regulating short-term rentals for the third time in the past ten months. Each successive ordinance has become progressively less restrictive than the last, reflecting ongoing negotiations between the city and property owners over rental regulations.

Union County Life covers Plainfield government, municipal policy, and community regulations across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Evolution of Ordinance Restrictions

The trajectory of Plainfield's short-term rental ordinance shows a significant shift in the city's approach over the past year. Short-term rentals are defined as residential occupancies of under 28 days.

First Ordinance (October)

The first ordinance, approved 6-1 in October, was the most restrictive. It would have imposed a 90-night annual limit on all short-term rentals, permitting them only in owner-occupied buildings. The 90 nights would have consisted of no more than 15 individual rental bookings. Hotels, licensed bed and breakfasts, and several other property types would have been excluded. Owners would have paid a $500 yearly permit fee, and no more than two rooms could be rented simultaneously. This ordinance was tabled in November before final passage.

Second Ordinance (June)

The city presented a second ordinance in June, which the council unanimously approved on first reading. This ordinance significantly relaxed restrictions, allowing up to 52 bookings per year, up from 15 in the first version, with no cap on nights of occupancy. The city noted it would consider adding a 230-night annual cap. Director of Economic Development Zenobia Fields noted the city had received feedback from individual meetings and a planning board information session. However, this ordinance was also tabled during second reading in July.

Current Ordinance (August)

The latest ordinance further relaxes restrictions. It allows rentals for up to 310 nights per year—approximately 85 percent of the calendar year. The ordinance creates a special provision for qualifying historic homes, allowing more than two rooms or potentially the entire home to be rented simultaneously. The ordinance waives the $500 registration fee for the first year after taking effect. Fines remain up to $2,000 per day per violation. Short-term rentals would be permitted only in owner-occupied dwellings.

Next Steps

The Plainfield City Council is expected to vote on this ordinance for second reading and final passage at its September 14 council meeting. If approved, the ordinance will take effect after the September 14 vote.

The progression from the original 90-night, 15-booking restriction to the current 310-night allowance reflects significant negotiation between the city and property owners regarding short-term rental regulations.

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FAQ

Q: What are Plainfield's short-term rental rules?
A: The latest ordinance allows short-term rentals (under 28 days) for up to 310 nights per year in owner-occupied dwellings. Historic homes have special provisions. Final approval is expected September 14.

Q: How many times has Plainfield revised the ordinance?
A: Three times in the past ten months. Each version has been progressively less restrictive than the previous one.

Q: What was the original restriction?
A: The first ordinance (October) would have limited short-term rentals to 90 nights per year with no more than 15 bookings and a maximum of 2 rooms rented simultaneously.

Q: What changed in the second version?
A: The June ordinance allowed up to 52 bookings per year with no night cap (though a 230-night cap was considered).

Q: What is allowed under the current ordinance?
A: Up to 310 nights per year (85% of the calendar) in owner-occupied dwellings. Historic homes can rent more than 2 rooms or the entire home. The $500 permit fee is waived for the first year.

Q: When will the ordinance be finalized?
A: The City Council will vote on second reading and final passage at its September 14, 2026 meeting.

Q: What are the penalties for violations?
A: Fines up to $2,000 per day per violation.

Q: Why did earlier ordinances not pass?
A: The first ordinance was tabled in November before final passage. The second was tabled in July. The reasons for tabling are not specified.