Daily Regulatory Notes 01/07/2025
Cities address STRs. Ferrysburg, MI launches new monitoring software; Lexington County, SC enforces ordinance; Kentucky and New York discuss regulations, and law. 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. đź“°
Ferrysburg, MI
Ferrysburg has adopted new monitoring software called Granicus to address short-term rental complaints like noise and minimum-stay violations. Rental permits for STR owners will now cost $215, up from $75, to fund the $9,000 software.
The city enforces a 7-day minimum stay policy, though some property owners argue it restricts flexibility for weekend travelers. Granicus will track online rental activity and streamline enforcement, with plans to implement the system by summer 2025.
Lexington County, SC
Effective January 1, 2025, Lexington County, S.C., requires short-term rental owners to pay a $320 annual fee and comply with new permitting processes.
Officials aim to improve neighborhood conditions, but hosts criticize unclear communication and restrictions like a minimum guest age of 25. Permitting for over 600 rentals will take up to 18 months, with new staff hired to oversee implementation.
Kentucky
Airbnb’s lobbyist presented policy ideas to Kentucky lawmakers for 2025, including a ban on conditional use permits for short-term rentals and allowing renters to host with owner approval.
Local officials expressed concerns about tax payment delays and non-owner-occupied rentals increasing noise complaints. Airbnb supports centralized tax payments and preserving local control over nuisance regulations. Legislators debated balancing property rights, community concerns, and effective tax collection. Discussions will continue when the General Assembly convenes in January 2025.
```New York
Genelaine Urbano
READ: 'New York Passes New Law' from Daily Notes 12/27/2024...
Starting March 25, New York will implement a Short-Term Rental Registry law requiring platforms like Airbnb to report data and collect sales taxes. Counties can use the information to create STR registries and address unreported taxes.
This measure aligns STRs more closely with hotels, addressing concerns about fairness and housing availability. While counties expect significant revenue gains, Airbnb criticized the law as burdensome. Notably, the law leaves regulation to local governments instead of establishing a statewide registry.
