Daily Regulatory Notes 01/30/2025
Cities address STRs. Ashland, WI introduces regulations; Basalt, CO advances ordinance; Ontario, OR and Manatee County, FL discuss ordinance; Asheville, NC handles lawsuit; Indian Rocks Beach, FL approves ordinance; Lake Havasu addresses impacts; Mentor, OH reviews enforcement. 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. 📰
Ashland, WI
Ashland has introduced new short-term rental regulations requiring operators to apply for a license, ensure properties meet code and parking requirements, and adhere to occupancy limits.
The ordinance recently approved by the city council, allows two guests per bedroom plus one additional guest and mandates that the owner or manager remain within 30 miles. Street parking is prohibited in residential areas, with guest parking restricted to paved surfaces.
Rapid City, SD
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 01/28/2025
Rapid City's Community Development Division hosted an open house on Jan. 28 at the Dahl Arts Center drawing over 130 attendees to discuss potential vacation rental regulations.
Read the full ordinance here.
City officials noted concerns about neighborhood impacts such as noise, parking, and trash, while rental operators emphasized their right to run successful businesses. The public can still provide input through an online survey open until Feb. 5, with a draft ordinance expected to go before the city council in early spring.
Basalt, CO
Basalt Town Council is advancing efforts to regulate short-term rentals, approving the first reading of an ordinance that would introduce a new STR fee to support affordable housing initiatives.
The fee recommended at $2,532 per bedroom annually, would help offset the impact of STRs on local housing availability. Exemptions may apply to owner-occupied primary residences rented for no more than 60 days per year.
Read the STR Ordinance here.
The council also updated its cash-in-lieu fees for affordable housing significantly raising them for the first time since 2015. A public hearing on the STR ordinance is scheduled for Feb. 11.
```Ontario, OR
The Ontario Planning Commission continued its discussion on a proposed short-term rental ordinance at its Jan. 13 meeting but postponed a decision until its next session.
The draft ordinance would establish a permitting system and impose regulations, including a revised definition of "bedroom," a cap of six STRs per owner, and a limit of one rental per parcel.
South Haven, MI
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 01/20/2025
At its January 21 meeting, the South Haven City Council’s discussion on short-term rentals turned contentious as members reviewed the 2025 STR Snapshot Report.
The report indicated that the city has 794 registered STRs, with 35 new non-exempt business STR certificates available—but no new permits will be issued due to the ongoing moratorium.
Asheville, NC
An Asheville man has filed a lawsuit against Airbnb and a local homestay owner, alleging they violated rental regulations and Airbnb’s own policies, leading to an illegal party where he was shot and paralyzed.
The lawsuit filed Jan. 8 in Buncombe County Superior Court claims that the West Asheville property was rented to a 21-year-old for a birthday party despite Airbnb’s policy restricting high-risk reservations for guests under 25. The suit argues that both Airbnb and the property owner facilitated violations of local homestay regulations, which prohibit non-lodging activities.
Indian Rocks Beach, FL
Indian Rocks Beach commissioners voted 3-2 on Jan. 14 to approve an ordinance increasing the maximum occupancy for certain short-term rentals from 10 to 12 guests, while also settling a $2.5 million Bert Harris Act lawsuit from a rental owner claiming financial losses due to the city’s regulations.
Read the full ordinance here.
The controversial decision sparked backlash from residents who argued the commission should have fought the lawsuit rather than amending the ordinance, which also includes updates to advertising, licensing, and inspections. A second reading is scheduled for Feb. 11 at the Holiday Inn Harbourside.
```Manatee County, FL
Manatee County Commissioners discussed a proposed short-term rental ordinance during their Jan. 28 meeting with Commissioner Tal Siddique seeking board support to direct staff in drafting local regulations.
Read the full ordinance here.
While state law prevents local bans, municipalities can enforce rules on registration, inspections, occupancy limits, parking, noise, and advertising. Siddique's proposal suggests these measures, aiming to balance community concerns and rental industry interests. The board will determine whether to proceed with drafting an ordinance for further consideration.
Lake Havasu, AZ
Lake Havasu City may formally call on the Arizona legislature to address short-term rental impacts as housing affordability concerns intensify. The city where vacation rentals have more than doubled since 2019, argues that existing state laws preventing local regulation have contributed to a shrinking supply of long-term housing.
The proposed resolution would prioritize affordable housing efforts and advocate for local control over STR regulations, following similar moves by Sedona and other municipalities facing the same issue.
Mentor, OH
Mentor City Council is examining how to regulate short-term rentals after a few unlicensed properties were found operating in the city. In early October 2024, a proposed ban was tabled in favor of considering more balanced solutions, such as creating licensing systems similar to those used in other Ohio communities.
With the city being a popular destination for birdwatching and ecotourism, officials are proceeding carefully to address the issue thoughtfully, with decisions expected in the coming weeks.