Mahoning Township has taken its next step in an attempt to address short-term rentals.

During an ordinance workshop on Wednesday, supervisors authorized township solicitor Tom Nanovic to draft an ordinance similar to what Penn Forest Township supervisors previously adopted.

In November, the former board tabled a decision on the short-term rental ordinance until the current board members were seated and could have input on the matter.

Before that vote, Jake Arner, of Awesome View Properties, told the then Mahoning supervisors that he has a party interested in joining him on Sierra Vista.

Arner said at that meeting he was there to encourage that Airbnbs be a permitted use in the township, and spoke of the advantages.

In August, then Mahoning supervisors granted another extension for the first phase of the proposed development on Flagstaff Mountain.

At that time, the board agreed to grant an extension until Dec. 31 for Phase 1A of the Sierra Vista Estates.

Arner, at that meeting, asked the then board if any action has been taken on the short-term rental ordinance.

Former Board Chairman Bruce Steigerwalt told Arner at that meeting the board still needed time to review the ordinance.

The ordinance is to provide guidance on how to deal with the nationwide short-term rental service and how it would apply to property owners in the township.

It was noted at that time that the planning commission granted conditional final plan approval of Phase 1A, with conditions: Compliance with comments of LTL letter dated Oct. 20, and no construction to take place until pre-security agreement is approved and signed, and escrow fund for construction inspection and letter of credit for sewer main trench maintenance and Flagstaff Road overlay are submitted to the township.