08/17/2026
Tybee Island City Council Meeting: STR Ordinance Decision at First Reading
Overview of the Council Meeting
On August 13, 2026, the Savannah Board of Realtors achieved a notable victory at the Tybee Island City Council meeting, prevailing with a vote of 3-2 over a majority of Tybee residents who opposed the proposed change.
Voting and Council Member Actions
Despite their limited numbers and late arrival, realtors and owners of Short-Term Rentals (STRs), both current and former, received support from most City Council members. The council vote was 3-2 in favor of the realtors, with backing from Cam Jackson (realtor and mortgage loan officer at Fifth Third Bank), Nick Hale (VP at Bishop-Durden-Hale Insurance), and Spec Hosti. Opposing the measure were Nick Sears, a retired lawyer, and Kathryn Williams, a retired teacher/Tybee business owner, who voted for current residential zoning and against the plan to allow more STRs in residential neighborhoods. Tony Ploughe, a council member who owns STRs, recused himself. There were calls for both Cam Jackson and Nick Hale to recuse themselves due to perceived financial interests, but they did not.
Mayor's Role and Meeting Procedures
Mayor Brian West, HOMESTEAD HOLDINGS LLC, helped realtors and STR owners participate by modifying two meeting rules. Although he had set a 6:30 PM cutoff for public comment sign-ups, late-arriving realtors and STR owners were permitted to speak. One resident was also allowed to address the council due to the rule change. Additionally, the mayor prohibited reading letters from others during the public hearing, but then made an exception for the Board of Realtors’ representative, who read a lengthy letter.
Public Participation and Resident Concerns
The meeting featured 23 speakers: 14 residents and 8 realtors or STR owners (including past owners). Of the 8 individuals who spoke in favor, only three were Tybee residents. One speaker was undecided.
Lack of Transparency and Clear Motives
No town hall has been held regarding the ordinance, and council members have not provided clear reasoning for its creation. The sole explanation offered has been "campaign promises," raising questions about whom those promises were made to.
STR Market and Ordinance Criticisms
Residents say there are enough STRs on the island. Tybee Island’s STR market is saturated, with many STR and hotel vacancies common on most weekends. Financial analysis indicates that STR revenue to the City is significantly lower than anticipated because of high oversight and management costs, weakening the argument that they are financially essential. The proposed ordinance has been criticized for poor drafting and is seen as needing legal revision to protect the city in the future. Residents living in neighborhoods zoned for families have protested, referencing a recent Superior Court Summary Judgment ruling for the City of Tybee and concluding that STRs do not qualify as residences under the relevant definition.
Council Dynamics and Next Steps
Despite all the facts and testimony, the three council members consistently supported by Mayor West were eager to advance the ordinance. Council member Nick Hale even attempted to approve the motion before any public comment.
The Jackson/Hale/Hosti slate offered their enthusiastic approval for the Board of Realtors and more STRs at the First Reading.
The Second Reading is scheduled for August 27, 2026.
