Daily Regulatory Notes 01/20/2025
Cities address STRs. York, ME prepares ordinance; South Haven, MI revises ordinance; Ithaca, NY opens application; Niskayuna, NY schedules vote; Nevada County, CA enforces rules; Fall River, MA votes ordinance; Ocean City drafts 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. 📰
York, ME
A York committee is preparing a new short-term rental ordinance for a November 2025 referendum after a similar measure failed in May 2024. The group is gathering data and community input through surveys and public hearings.
Key focuses include distinguishing between small local operators and large rental businesses, implementing safety standards, and addressing neighborhood concerns.
```South Haven, MI
South Haven city officials are revising their short-term rental ordinance, focusing on caps, occupancy, parking, and neighborhood preservation. The council approved forming a workgroup—including council members, the city attorney, and city manager Kate Hosier—to refine the draft with real-time collaboration.
The group has four weeks to develop an improved ordinance addressing council goals before a public hearing is held.
Ithaca, NY
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 01/13/2025...
Ithaca has opened applications for short-term rental permits following new regulations effective June 1, 2025. The rules allow permits for single-family homes, two-family homes, and owner-occupied units, provided they are primary residences for at least 184 days annually.
Only individuals, not corporations, can apply. Proof of compliance certificates and residency are required to obtain permits, which are mandatory for advertising short-term rentals.
Niskayuna, NY
The Niskayuna Town Board will vote on Jan. 28 to finalize short-term rental rules after a year of community complaints about disruptive rentals. Proposed changes include requiring a minimum seven-day rental period, restricting unhosted rentals to commercial zones, and banning events like weddings.
Read the full ordinance here.
Adjustments to initial proposals may reinstate zoning distinctions between hosted and unhosted rentals to protect residential areas while allowing some STR operations.
```Nevada County, CA
Nevada County’s Assessor Office reminds short-term rental owners that personal property used for rental income, such as furniture, bedding, and appliances, is taxable under state law.
Owners must complete the 2025 Short Term Rental Property Statement (BOE 571-STR) and Supplemental Schedule forms sent earlier this week. These must be submitted in-person or by mail (not email) by April 1, 2025, with penalties beginning May 7, 2025.
Fall River, MA
Fall River is moving toward legalizing short-term rentals with the City Council unanimously approving the first reading of an ordinance allowing rentals of primary residences under strict conditions.
The ordinance includes a 4% booking tax, insurance requirements, and protections for neighborhoods. The Highland Ave. mansion, currently in legal dispute, highlights concerns over unregulated rentals as the city seeks to formalize its approach.
```Ocean City, MD
Ocean City’s City Council rejected a recommendation from the Planning Commission that proposed a 31-day minimum rental period in R-1 and MH zones, citing strong objections from property owners.
Instead, the council instructed staff to draft an ordinance limiting rentals in these areas to one per seven-day period to address neighborhood concerns without completely curbing short-term rental opportunities. The council aims to implement the revised ordinance by January 1, 2026 if it gains approval.