Short-term rentals have been proliferating in the Lake Forest Community in Daphne, Alabama, transforming our serene residential neighborhood into a transient lodging hub. This surge of short-term rental properties has led to a multitude of issues, disrupting the tranquility of our community. Our peaceful, family-oriented environment is increasingly under threat. We must take action to preserve the integrity of our neighborhood. The goal for this petition is to bring awareness to both the City of Daphne and the Lake Forest Property Owners' Association (LFPOA). Currently, there are two (2) conflicting ordinances with the City of Daphne, and the LFPOA is not enforcing the By-Laws and Covenants restricting Short-Term Rentals, and recent attempts for the City to make changes have failed.

The influx of short-term rentals results in a constant flow of strangers, creating safety concerns for families. Long-term residents often feel uneasy with the frequent change of unfamiliar faces, making it difficult for a close-knit community to thrive. Statistics from numerous communities across the nation have shown that short-term rentals increase noise, traffic, and parking issues, which are detrimental to the established lifestyle in residential neighborhoods.

Moreover, the prevalence of short-term rentals can drive up property values, making it difficult for first-time homebuyers and local families to afford housing. According to the National Association of Realtors, areas with excessive short-term rentals experience a 30% increase in property prices over short periods, exacerbating the housing affordability crisis.

Source: https://www.nar.realtor/short-term-rental-restrictions 

Enforcing a ban on short-term rentals in Lake Forest will help retain the community's character, enhance public safety, and stabilize housing prices. Other towns, such as Charleston and Savannah, have successfully implemented similar measures, reinforcing the value of preserving their communities. Many communities around the country have experienced significant issues with STR's, including some of these right here in Lake Forest.

Source: https://dallascityhall.com/government/citymanager/Documents/FY%2020-21%20Memos/STR%20Data%20Analysis%2005032021.pdf

We urge local authorities, including the Daphne City Council and the LFPOA, to introduce legislation and policy that prohibit short-term rentals within Lake Forest. By doing so, we preserve our community's environment, uphold safety, and ensure that Lake Forest remains an accessible and welcoming neighborhood for families and long-term residents. We want both the City Council and the LFPOA Board to remove STR's from our lovely community. This petition is to show support for both the City and LFPOA to align with the removal request.

What about the Daphne City Council helping us? 

There are existing documents that contradict each other within the city, so we have no idea where we stand overall; however, according to the Mayor, "STR's are like hotels." The mayor went on to say that STR's require the same requirements as hotels.

Source: https://mynbc15.com/news/local/daphne-hoa-pushes-ordinance-to-ban-short-term-rentals-in-lake-forest-subdivision

The Mayor states the STR's must be inspected by one of the city inspectors, yet none are inspected. It is time we take back our community and push out the STR's!!!

Here are some of the City Ordinances in Conflict:

1 - Ordinance 2023-17-Amendment to Ordinance 2004-11-Business License Ordinance-Short Term Rentals - https://www.daphneal.com/DocumentCenter/View/4816/Ordinance-2023-17-Amendment-to-Ordinance-2004-11-Business-License-Ordinance-Short-Term-Rentals

2 - Ordinance 2023-04-Short Term Rentals (licensing and permit fees) - https://www.daphneal.com/DocumentCenter/View/4528/Ordinance-2023-04-Short-Term-Rentals

3 - Ordinance 2023-11-Amend LUDO- Article 31 and Article 35 (This is the ordinance that contradicts all others - this ordinance states that Lodging is allowed in R4 areas; however, Lake Forest is R2 zoning) - https://www.daphneal.com/DocumentCenter/View/4535/Ordinance-2023-11-Amend-LUDO--Article-31-and-Article-35

4 - Letter to the City of Daphne from the LFPOA Board - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wf24h6bk6kc12vaxdcb6s/2022-12-17-Letter-to-City-re-short-term-rental-ordinance-2.pdf?rlkey=v2pc5u3odfygijne9k6x3ypdw&st=9ev7f24q&dl=0

What is the Lake Forest Board of Directors doing about this issue?

In short... NOTHING. In fact, one of the members who has an STR will begin serving on the board in 2026 (if voted or appointed), while also serving on the City Liaison and Affairs Committee. Do you think they will take any action regarding STRs in light of this conflict of interest? I say not!

The covenants are located here for the LFPOA: https://www.lakeforestdaphne.com/_files/ugd/775b1c_b96bd066aba243b98addd1778e3cf4e6.pdf

Amended Covenants: https://www.lakeforestdaphne.com/_files/ugd/775b1c_b9c94602c9494d6f8d7feca96f23f4e6.pdf (nothing major in this amendment)

By-Laws: https://www.lakeforestdaphne.com/_files/ugd/775b1c_b1398e96a7884d4cb81157d3039949eb.pdf

In section 2.6, entitled "Leasing" in the By-Laws, it states that "In the event subject property is leased, the delegating Member must give prior written notice to the Association for such delegation. The written notification shall include an application that states the name, age, permanent address, the intended length of time the delegation will be effective, and such other and different information that the Association may require, including all contact information. The Association may charge a fee for such delegation as the Board of Directors authorizes and requires. All pertinent information concerning the delegate (lessee or tenant) shall be included in said application and shall be updated as necessary by the delegating Member as a requirement of the delegation."

This means that every person renting an STR must provide this information to the homeowner and collectively provide it to the LFPOA office, which is NOT happening. Again, in violation of the By-Laws. In fact, the LFPOA has no idea the number of rentals in Lake Forest. Previous values or numbers were "best guess" estimates.

The houses in Lake Forest are Zoned R2, which is residential. When an STR is created, that property becomes a B2 zone, which is designated for business use; therefore, the STR owner is in violation of not following the covenants. Although the covenants are enforceable, the Board will not enforce them. Many argue that the city should step in, but why would the City do anything if the business licenses are generating revenue for the city? As the mayor mentioned in his response above, they must have a business license, which brings in revenue for the city.

There are stories, after stories, after stories, around the country where STRs have caused nothing but harm to communities. Here are a few around the US:

Source: https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/north-fulton-county/airbnb-party-house-shut-down-sandy-springs-after-neighbor-complaints/WWO6TXMAKRHCNEBTQ5ZKVYU2BM/

Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-09-02/la-cracks-down-on-hollywood-party-houses-and-illegal-short-term-rentals-violators-to-pay-hefty-fines?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Sign this petition to show your support for banning short-term rentals in Lake Forest Community and protect our neighborhood's future.

WARNING - Change.Org is asking for donations. We are not asking you for any donation, so if you donate, that will go to Change.Org. We only need your signature to have enough to ask the board to vote on the matter.