Daily Regulatory Notes 01/06/2025
Cities address STRs: New Orleans, LA and Birmingham, AL review rules; Cottonwood Heights, UT raises fines for illegal STRs; West Tisbury, MA finalizes regulations; Chelan County, WA schedules a public hearing; Marin County, CA enforces policies. READ MORE.
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. 📰
New Orleans, LA
Federal and local authorities are investigating an Airbnb property in New Orleans' Marigny neighborhood, linked to the suspect behind the Bourbon Street terror attack on New Year's Day that left 15 dead and over 30 injured.
The property became the center of attention after a fire led to the discovery of bomb-making materials, prompting evacuations and a large law enforcement presence. The incident has raised serious questions about the safety of short-term rentals and their role in community security. Officials have not yet released details about the investigation's progress or when the neighborhood will be reopened.
Cottonwood Heights, UT
The Cottonwood Heights City Council has approved higher fines for illegal short-term rentals, aiming to crack down on non-compliant properties. Council members discussed additional measures, including requiring business licenses to be displayed in rental advertisements and ensuring local management is available to address issues within an hour.
Another proposed rule would limit short-term rentals to one unit per property. The changes come as state legislators prepare to address broader short-term rental issues, including laws restricting the use of property listings as proof of rental activity.
West Tisbury, MA
West Tisbury has solidified its short-term rental regulations to curb commercial misuse and protect local housing. Owners must register their properties every two years for $400, adhere to a two-night minimum stay, and limit rentals to one property while residing there for at least 30 days annually.
Check out the full STR Registration Rules and Registration here.
Birmingham, AL
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 12/30/2024...
A recent shootout at a short-term rental in Birmingham's College Hills neighborhood has intensified calls for regulation. The city council is reviewing proposed short-term rental rules, with the planning and zoning committee set to discuss them on Jan. 22.
The Birmingham Police Department (BPD) is working with the city attorney’s office to address nuisance properties, with enhanced laws in progress. Neighbors have expressed frustration as the property, owned by an LLC, has been linked to repeated disturbances, prompting BPD to focus resources on addressing the broader issue.
```Chelan County, WA
Chelan County is holding a public hearing on January 14 to discuss proposed revisions to its short-term rental (STR) code, initially enacted in 2021. The hearing allows residents to share feedback on the Planning Commission's recommendations.
Read the proposed ordinance here.
Public comments, limited to three minutes, can also be submitted in writing. Following the hearing, the Board of County Commissioners will deliberate on feedback and decide on potential changes to the STR code in a future session.
Marin County, CA
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 12/11/2024...
Marin County’s updated short-term rental policies now require existing operators to renew licenses by July 2025, with only 1,200 total rentals allowed. Rules mandate water usage reports, septic inspections, site plans, and higher fees for non-primary homes.
Read the full ordinance here.
Specific community caps reduce short-term rentals in areas like Bolinas while allowing for slight increases in others, such as Dillon Beach.