Daily Regulatory Notes 01/21/2025
Cities address STRs. Milton, DE drafts ordinance; Atlantic Beach, SC amends ordinance; California warns against rent-gouging; Sedona, AZ discusses enforcement; Mount Pleasant, SC settles lawsuit. 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. 📰
Milton, DE
Town Council has tasked the planning and zoning commission with drafting recommendations and ordinance language for short-term rentals starting Jan. 21.
You can also read the resolution here.
The review will consider state laws and ordinances from towns like Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. Suggestions include limiting rentals to owner-occupied or second homes and capping licenses.
```Atlantic Beach, SC
Atlantic Beach’s planning commission approved a recommendation to amend the short-term rental ordinance, making the use permitted in residential districts and other areas.
The 3-0 decision sends the proposal to Town Council, which meets on the first Monday of the month.
```California
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 01/15/2025...
After the deadly fires in Los Angeles, California officials are warning against rent-gouging, with rents exceeding the 10% increase cap prohibited.
Attorney General Bonta affirmed that even if a tenant offers a higher price, landlords cannot accept it. Gov. Newsom extended anti-gouging laws until March 8, while Airbnb and Zillow are taking steps to help enforce these laws.
Sedona, AZ
Sedona’s City Council discussed stricter short-term rental (STR) enforcement on Dec. 12, including new rules requiring one permit per unit and $500 fines for violations.
Check out the full report here.
With 1,157 STRs, growth has remained flat since the permitting program launched. Upcoming audits will check compliance with safety rules, and the city continues lobbying for state law changes to allow caps on STRs.
Mount Pleasant, SC
Mount Pleasant Town Council approved a $494,000 partial settlement on Jan. 14 in a lawsuit against short-term rental companies like Airbnb and VRBO for failing to remit accommodations taxes and business license fees.
The 2021 lawsuit, joined by Mount Pleasant and other municipalities, claims these companies collected fees but failed to forward them to local governments. Mount Pleasant recently capped short-term rental permits at 400, with 364 licenses issued to date.
Check out the full STR ordinance here.