Daily Regulatory Notes 01/19/2026

Buena Vista, CO

BV trustees unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on new short-term rentals, framing it as a pause to review policy rather than a move toward a permanent ban.

Several trustees emphasized that there is no clear data showing stricter STR rules improve housing affordability and warned against unintended impacts on downtown vibrancy. Town officials said the moratorium allows time for stakeholder input, data review, and policy refinement, with an initial work session tentatively scheduled for March 10. The moratorium runs through September 2026 but may be lifted earlier.

Newtown, CT

The Newtown Legislative Council will meet on Jan. 21 to consider several policy items, including a proposed ordinance that would prohibit short-term rentals of fewer than 30 days.

The agenda also includes a 6 percent increase to the Fairfield Hills water usage rate effective in 2026, along with multiple grant impact and financial review items. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building.

Kane County, IL

The Kane County Board approved new licensing and operating rules for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas following months of resident complaints about noise, parking, and safety.

The ordinance requires county licensing, limits occupancy and rental frequency, mandates safety inspections and neighbor notification, and allows fines up to $1,000 or license revocation for violations. The measure passed 12–9, though several board members said it may be a first step toward a future ban on new short-term rentals.

Iowa City, IO

Iowa City is grappling with short-term rental oversight challenges as 74 single-family homes operate as Airbnb properties following the state's 2018 decision to eliminate residential STR regulations that previously required owner-occupancy.

The city's housing inspector emphasizes that the biggest regulatory challenge isn't corporate ownership but ensuring existing short-term rentals follow local rules such as bi-annual inspections and city code adherence.

STRisker Government Office Dashboard

Trying to keep up with the main players in the STR game? Know your councilmembers, commissioners, committee chairs, and key staff that are part of the process.

Create Your Watchlist - 14 Day Free Trial

Stowe. VT

Stowe officials are continuing discussions on a potential cap on short-term rentals, with major resort operators urging exemption from any limits.

Short-Term Rental Registration

Short-Term Rental Registry OrdinanceTown of Stowe requires the following for Short-Term Rentals:Property owners or their agents must register their STR(s) with the Town of Stowe using the form linked below.Upon registering, an STR registration fee must be remitted to the Town…

Town of Stowe

Town data shows roughly one-third of registered short-term rentals are located in resort- and ski-lodging zoning districts, which the planning commission argues were never intended to supply long-term housing. The selectboard is weighing how to distinguish between resort lodging and residential short-term rentals ahead of a Feb. 11 public hearing.

Dearborn, MI

Short-term rental owners in Dearborn file a federal lawsuit challenging zoning changes that ban short-term rentals in residential areas and single-family homes.

They argue that the ordinance violates due process, state zoning law, and the Fifth Amendment’s takings clause. The ban, which takes effect Jan. 1, restricts STRs to downtown, community business, and general business districts, with city officials citing nuisance concerns and housing affordability impacts.

Columbia, SC

Columbia’s Planning Commission recommends loosening short-term rental restrictions for owner-occupied homes, allowing residents to rent out rooms while living on-site in all residential areas.

Short-Term Rentals – City of Columbia Police Department

Policing Excellence Through Community Partnerships

City of Columbia Police Department

The proposal would carve out an exception to a January 6 ordinance that limits STRs to mixed-use, commercial zones, and the edges of residential neighborhoods. The recommendation now moves to City Council for final consideration.

Chicago, IL

Chicago City Council is considering a new 1.5% hotel assessment that supporters say would raise about $40 million annually through a tourism improvement district covering large downtown hotels.

If approved, total hotel taxes and fees in central Chicago would rise to nearly 19%, among the highest in the country. A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for Feb. 27.

📱 Social Buzz

Episode Title: 01/17/26 | Erin Wong | Property Manager
Episode: The Kupunawiki's Podcast

In case you missed it:

Weekly Regulatory Briefing (3) 01/16/2026

The Week’s STR Highlights. Miami, FL reviews pool safety; Park Township, MI handles lawsuit; Ohio weighs legislation; Arizona proposes nightly fee; Evanston, IL approves amendments; Carter County, KY; Pittsburgh, PA; Falmouth, MA; Buena Vista, CO; Glen Ellyn, IL; Logan, OH. READ MORE.

STRisker - Short-term regulatory changes and newsGenelaine Urbano

👍 We’d love your feedback.
Which stories hit? Which ones missed?

We're constantly refining Daily Notes to make it even more useful for you.

✉️ Just reply directly to this email. We read and respond to every message!

-Will McClure
🙋 P.S.
Know someone else who should be reading Daily Notes? Feel free to forward this along. We’re opening a few more spots.