Daily Regulatory Notes 11/19/24
Every day, we bring you a detailed overview of recent news and updates about primary decisions, community feedback, or legislative changes relevant to the short-term rental industry. đź“°
Jeffersonville, IN
Jeffersonville’s City Council has amended its ordinance to address concerns about the rising number of short-term rentals, particularly those owned by out-of-state investors. The new rule requires property owners to obtain an annual $150 permit to list homes on platforms like Airbnb - renewals are free.
While Indiana state law restricts local authorities from limiting investor-owned short-term rentals, the city hopes this measure will help track and manage properties and address safety or ordinance violations. Officials are calling on the state to update legislation to give cities more control as investor-owned rentals grow.
Woodland Park, CO
The Teller County STR Alliance plans to refile its lawsuit in Colorado state court before Thanksgiving, aiming to challenge Woodland Park's Ordinance 1469 before its "no grandfathering" clause takes effect on Dec. 31.
A look into Ordinance 1469.
This controversial ordinance bans STRs in residential zones unless they are owner-occupied and operated as primary residences, effectively shutting down most of the city’s STRs. Plaintiffs argue that state laws protecting preexisting lawful uses should apply and seek to reinstate grandfathering provisions from the previously proposed Ordinance 1431.
Chelan County, WA
Dane Artisola
A continuation from October 25...
At a Nov. 13 hearing, Chelan County's Planning Commission received input on proposed revisions to the county's short-term rental (STR) code, sparking strong reactions from Leavenworth residents and officials. Proposed changes include lifting STR caps, changing child occupancy rules, and removing affordable housing-related language.
Following some callouts that raising STR caps could harm housing availability and community integrity, the commission voted to keep existing STR caps, retain affordable housing language in the code's purpose statement, and convene a study group to assess child occupancy rules. These recommendations will now advance to the Community Development Department.
More info on the meeting:
```Fort Payne, AL
The Fort Payne Planning Commission has sent a proposed short-term rental (STR) regulation plan to the City Council for approval.
The plan requires current STRs in R-1 zones to secure conditional use approval by June 30, 2025, through inspections and proof of past compliance with lodging taxes. Conditional use permits will expire upon property transfer. Prospective STRs in R-1 zones would need zoning board approval, including input from neighbors.
Read more about it at Times-Journal
đź“ą WATCH the Planning Commission meeting November 12 here: Southern Torch
Lexington, KY
Dane Artisola
A continuation from October 17...
Lexington's Planning Commission has advanced a set of updated short-term rental (STR) regulations to City Council for final consideration. The updated rules, which modify the Council’s September proposal, introduce stricter controls on non-hosted STRs. These include a cap preventing licenses where non-hosted STRs make up 2% of housing within 1,000 feet and a 600-foot minimum distance between n0n-hosted STRs. City Council will now review and finalize the regulations.
You can view the proposed regulations starting on page 24 of this packet.
Other news in Lexington:
A new online reporting tool and a 24/7 hotline has recently been introduced. The new tool aims to help officials detect violations easier. To file a complaint, visit Lexington’s STR website (reporting tool) or call 859-710-9048.
Learn more about short-term rental regulations in Lexington, KY here.
Springfield, MO
Springfield City Council voted proposed revisions to its short-term rental (STR) ordinance on its November 18 meeting. The proposed ordinance aims to address noncompliance by property owners who fail to register with the city or pay required taxes. It includes measures to streamline existing regulations and would make advertising an unregistered STR on platforms like Airbnb a city violation.
Read more about the proposed regulations: