Daily Regulatory Notes 02/12/2025
Cities address STRs. Sedona, AZ declares housing shortage emergency; Indian Rocks Beach, FL votes on regulation; AuSable Township, MI adopts ordinance; Kodiak, AK considers new regulations; Mitchell, SD launches zoning code update; Fayetteville, AR reintroduces bill. 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. 📰
Sedona, AZ
The Sedona City Council passed a resolution declaring a housing shortage emergency attributing the crisis to the growing number of short-term rentals (STRs) which now account for 18% of the city's housing stock.
Preview of Resolution 2024-37. Read the full resolution below.
Residents say STRs are displacing families and workers making housing unaffordable and eroding community ties. State lawmakers are debating new bills that could allow caps, but previous attempts have failed. Meanwhile, Sedona is working on affordable housing projects, but the growing influence of STRs continues to spark debate.
Indian Rocks Beach, FL
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 01/30/2025
Indian Rocks Beach city commissioners voted on a proposed rollback of short-term rental regulations following years of debate over restrictions imposed due to neighborhood complaints.
The ordinance which passed its first reading in January would increase occupancy limits and remove provisions for license suspension. The vote is also shaped by a lawsuit claiming the city’s 2023 restrictions unfairly limited rental rights, with some warning that legal costs could force the city to back down.
AuSable Township, MI
AuSable Township has officially adopted Ordinance Number 143 setting new rules for short-term rentals with a focus on enforcement and compliance.
Ordinance 143. Read the full Ordinance here.
The ordinance passed by a 5-2 vote, includes a requirement for property owners to apply for permits, pay an annual $400 fee, and submit safety-related documentation. The township also introduced "Good Visitor Guidelines," though final approval was delayed for revisions.
Kamas, UT
The Kamas Planning Commission is working to solidify its ban on short-term rentals (STRs) by drafting an ordinance that would explicitly prohibit them and establish enforcement measures.
Though STRs are currently not allowed by omission, city officials worry that pending state legislation House Bill 256 could impact their ability to regulate rentals in the future. The bill would permit municipalities to use online listings as evidence of violations but may only apply to those with existing STR ordinances.
Kodiak, AK
The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly is considering new short-term rental (STR) regulations starting with a licensing requirement by July 1, followed by potential restrictions and a cap on new STRs.
Some officials see STRs as only a small factor in Kodiak’s housing challenges, while others push for restrictions to prevent further housing strain. The Assembly continues to debate the best approach to balancing housing needs and rental market interests.
Mitchell, SD
Mitchell’s Planning Commission has launched a zoning code update, forming a sub-committee to resolve inconsistencies and improve clarity in municipal ordinances.
Among the topics under review is the regulation of short-term rentals (STRs) which are currently undefined in local code. City Planner Mark Jenniges stated that STRs will likely have their own standalone ordinance aligning with discussions at recent City Council meetings. Once the sub-committee finalizes proposed changes, a public hearing will be held before the City Council votes on the updates.
Wareham, MA
The Wareham Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Feb. 24 to discuss revisions to its accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw, following concerns raised at the Jan. 13 Special Town Meeting.
Read the report here. (pgs. 2-5)
The updated bylaw removes the site plan review requirement for ADUs on single-family properties and does not include the state's definition of short-term rentals (STRs). Land Use Coordinator Josh Faherty will present the changes and seek public input on whether an STR definition should be added.
```Fayetteville, AR
Arkansas lawmakers have reintroduced a bill to limit municipal short-term rental regulations, sparking concerns in cities like Fayetteville and Bella Vista. House Bill 1445 sponsored by Rep. Brit McKenzie and Sen. Joshua Bryant would override local rules including Fayetteville’s rental cap and licensing requirements.
City officials argue the bill undermines local governance and could increase housing shortages. Meanwhile, ongoing lawsuits challenge Fayetteville’s ordinance with property owners citing constitutional violations. In response, Fayetteville’s City Council will vote on a resolution opposing the bill on Feb. 18, as cities prepare to engage with state legislators.
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