Daily Regulatory Notes 01/14/2025
Cities address STRs. Austin, TX revises regulations; West Hollywood, CA prohibits STRs; Mobridge, SD disapproves ordinance; St. Michael, MD prohibits permits; Liberty Township, OH approves moratorium; North Charleston, SC considers cap on permits. 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. 📰
Austin, TX
Austin is revising its short-term rental regulations to improve enforcement and oversight, with changes being discussed in public hearings starting February 2025. The updates aim to regulate STRs as businesses, enforce licensing, and streamline city approval.
Read the full memorandum and draft ordinance here.
Community members are encouraged to provide feedback at scheduled in-person and virtual sessions or public hearings. Proposed updates to the preservation bonus, supporting housing preservation, and density will follow in April.
Indian Rocks Beach, FL
Indian Rocks Beach faces tension over its short-term rental rules, which limit occupancy and impose penalties. Homeowners argue these protections are vital for neighborhood peace, while rental owners cite financial losses and legal claims under the Bert Harris Act.
Read the full ordinance here.
To know more about Indian Rocks Beach Short Term Rental Information, check out their website here.
Rhinebeck, NY
The Rhinebeck Town Board is considering revising short-term rental (STR) permit regulations to accommodate occasional rentals. Councilwoman Dana Peterson suggested exemptions for properties rented fewer than seven nights annually to reduce burdens on casual hosts.
Read the full ordinance here.
Current STR rules, adopted in 2024, include permit fees, strict safety requirements, and penalties for violations. The board relies on Granicus, a monitoring service, for STR compliance and enforcement.
West Hollywood, CA
West Hollywood’s City Council passed an ordinance on November 18 prohibiting short-term rentals under a year, even in emergencies. This law shifts authority over rental policies to voter ballot measures, limiting the council’s flexibility to address crises like housing evacuees during fires.
Initially supported by UNITE HERE Local 11, the policy’s renewal sparked criticism about its impact on residents needing temporary housing, such as medical patients or evacuees.
Check out West Hollywood Vacation Rentals to know more.
Mobridge, SD
During the January 8 meeting, the Mobridge City Council did not approve the proposed short-term rental licensing ordinance after lengthy debates with residents, leaving the issue unresolved.
While the council did not move forward with the new regulations, they did address other matters, including setting an election date and approving funding for public works projects. The issue of short-term rental regulation remains on hold.
New York
Airbnb is working to reestablish its presence in New York City’s short-term rental market by backing a bill that would amend Local Law 18, which currently requires hosts to be present when renting their homes.
After suffering a significant drop in listings due to the law, Airbnb has funded groups like Communities for Homeowner Choice and Restore Homeowners Autonomy and Rights (RHOAR) to lobby for changes. The proposed amendment aims to allow one- and two-family homeowners to rent without being present, with Speaker Adrienne Adams supporting the initiative.
St. Michael, MD
The St. Michaels commissioners voted to prohibit new short-term rental permits for historic cottages in the R-2 District, including Chestnut and Mill Streets while grandfathering 11 current rentals with transferable permits upon proper paperwork.
You can also read the moratorium here.
Initially introduced as a moratorium in September, the ordinance prioritizes preserving historic properties and limiting expansion of rentals. With unanimous approval, the ordinance will take effect on Jan. 28, solidifying the town’s focus on historic preservation.
Liberty Township, OH
Liberty Township has implemented a six-month moratorium on short-term rentals, allowing officials to analyze the growing issue and decide on potential zoning changes.
"The volume (of what we’re seeing) is not what I would considering alarming – yet. We need to get a handle on it. We don’t need to panic. We need to gather data.” Trustee President Tom Farrell said. Journal News
Farrell emphasized preserving the township’s single-family residential character, citing complaints about rentals used for parties and weddings. Officials plan to gather data, consult zoning updates, and evaluate regulations from other Ohio communities.
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston is considering a cap on short-term rental permits to address the impact on housing availability. The proposed policy would limit permits to 60 per district across the city's 10 districts.
The plan aims to prevent further concentration of rentals, particularly in Park Circle where nearly 70% of permits are located. The cap would also address illegal rentals. The policy will be discussed further at the Planning Commission meeting on January 13. Renewal applications are due by February 28, and permits will be placed on a waitlist once the cap is reached.