Daily Regulatory Notes 01/08/2025
Cities address STRs: Palm Coast, FL approves rules; Alpharetta, GA passes an ordinance; Rochester, MA and Waukegan, IL schedule votes; North Myrtle Beach, SC discusses proposed ordinance; West Stockbridge, MA considers new bylaw; Hudson, WI reviews its ordinance. 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“°
Palm Coast, FL
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 12/19/2024...
Palm Coast’s City Council unanimously approved new short-term rental rules on Jan. 7, capping occupancy at 10 (excluding toddlers under 3), and prohibiting RVs, boats, or trailers in front yards.
Read the full report here.
Owners must register annually, pay fees, and adhere to parking and safety guidelines. Enforcement will include added resources, with revenue from fees covering expenses. The changes address ongoing community concerns and take effect in March 2025.
```Alpharetta, GA
Alpharetta passed its first short-term rental ordinance on Jan. 6, limiting rentals to 5% of homes per neighborhood and requiring annual licensing with strict noise, capacity, and conduct rules.
Penalties for violations are included, and some preexisting rentals may be grandfathered. The ordinance followed a year of debate, with residents concerned about neighborhood character and owners emphasizing community benefits.
Rochester, MA
Rochester is set to vote on Jan. 27 on two zoning proposals that could reshape its short-term rental (STR) landscape. The first measure seeks to regulate STRs by requiring owners to register with the Building Department, adhere to inspections, follow safety codes, and limit STR properties to a cap of 30 town wide.
Read the full ordinance below.
STR owners would also face new tax responsibilities, including a state occupancy tax and potential local surcharges. The second proposal addresses accessory dwelling units (ADUs), banning their use as STRs under new state zoning laws.
```Waukegan, IL
Waukegan’s City Council is set to vote on a simplified ordinance for short-term rental (STR) regulation on Jan. 21, following months of public feedback and revisions.
```The proposed rules require STR operators to register, secure a license, and collect hotel taxes via platforms like Airbnb, while dropping earlier plans for off-street parking, security cameras, and 500-foot spacing limits. A two-night minimum stay is still included.
North Myrtle Beach, SC
The North Myrtle Beach City Council discussed a proposed ordinance requiring short-term rental owners to designate a "responsible local agent" to address resident and public safety concerns.
The agent must live or work within 30 miles, be reachable 24/7, and respond in person within an hour. Noncompliance could lead to fines, though legal constraints may cap penalties.
```West Stockbridge, MA
The West Stockbridge Planning Board is considering a new bylaw for short-term rentals, which would allow up to 40 rental days per year without a special permit, and up to 80 days with one.
Check out the proposed Zoning Bylaws here.
The town’s aim is to address concerns over the rise of commercial short-term rentals while enabling property owners to earn extra income.
Geneva, NY
The Geneva City Council will meet this Wednesday at 7 p.m. to discuss short-term rental regulations, including permitting processes and compliance enforcement. City Manager Amie Hendrix is scheduled to provide an update on these regulations, and public hearings will address proposed changes to the Planning and Zoning Boards.
```Public comments are encouraged, and the meeting will also include discussions on the sale of city-owned property, with the session available for online viewing.
Hudson, WI
Hudson's City Council is revisiting its short-term rental ordinance with the moratorium set to expire in June. While some residents express concerns about the lack of regulations, Council member Sarah Bruch aims to have an updated ordinance by May 1.
Discussions focus on issues like parking, noise, and whether to introduce quotas or limitations on STRs. The city will gather feedback from renters, the public, and neighbors to refine the ordinance.