Daily Regulatory Notes 02/17/2025
Cities address STRs. New York rallies at City Hall; Lewisville, TX reviews ordinance; Milton, DE & Alameda, CA plan ordinance; Bastrop, TX approves resolution; Foster Township, PA adopts revised ordinance; Winston County, AL schedules vote; Belgium, WI proposes 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. 📰
New York
A coalition of NYC homeowners, business leaders, and civil rights advocates rallied at City Hall urging reforms to the city’s restrictive short-term rental laws which they claim have caused economic harm and disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Proponents argue that limiting home-sharing has reduced visitor spending, hurt small businesses, and prevented homeowners from supplementing their income. Key proposals include lifting restrictions on guest limits and allowing homeowners to rent while away. The debate remains contentious as both sides seek City Council action.
Lewisville, TX
The Lewisville City Council will review potential updates to its short-term rental ordinance and registration program during its annual planning retreat on Feb. 21-22.
The current ordinance in effect since July 2024, requires rentals to obtain permits and adhere to city standards, with violations potentially leading to permit revocation. Residents can provide input through a city survey open until Feb. 28 or at the council meeting on Feb. 17.
Visit Lewisville's Short Term Rentals to know more.
```Milton, DE
Milton’s Planning and Zoning Commission is working toward a short-term rental ordinance aiming to finalize an advisory report for town council by April.
They reviewed policies from neighboring cities and favored Lewes' model, which includes a permit system with inspections, a local contact requirement, and a three-strike enforcement policy. The report will be drafted in February, with a final vote expected in March before submission to town council.
```Bastrop, TX
The Bastrop City Council has approved a resolution requiring short-term rental owners to register with the city and collect hotel occupancy tax funds aligning them with traditional lodging providers.
Short-term rental guests only paid the state’s 6% tax, but under the new policy, they will also contribute a 7% tax to the city. Property owners must pay an annual $25 registration fee, provide contact information, and agree to comply with city codes. The resolution also allows optional posting of registration numbers and mandates sufficient on-site parking.
Foster Township, PA
Foster Township has adopted a revised short-term rental ordinance limiting new rentals to specific commercial and residential zones (R2, C1, B2, B3) through a special exception process. Rentals in A1 zones are no longer permitted.
New applicants must gain zoning board approval and meet set criteria, with public hearings allowing for community input. Existing rentals must register for grandfathering.
Winston County, AL
The Winston County Commission will vote on a proposed lodging tax during a special meeting on Feb. 18, following concerns raised by residents and rental operators at a Feb. 10 meeting.
Commissioner Rutger Hyche previously motioned to approve the tax, but it failed due to disagreements over revenue distribution. If approved, the tax would still require legislative approval and a countywide vote.
```Alameda, CA
Alameda is taking steps toward a Short-Term Rental Ordinance following a February 10 Planning Board workshop that highlighted the community's strong support for home-sharing.
While city planners raised concerns about neighborhood impacts and housing availability, residents emphasized the financial necessity of short-term rentals, their benefits for local businesses, and their role in providing flexible housing for visiting families and professionals. A draft ordinance is expected to be presented by summer 2025.
Belgium, WI
Town of Belgium officials are moving forward with a proposal to limit short-term rentals after years of complaints from lakefront residents about disruptive guests and party houses.
Town Chairman Tom Winker and Zoning Administrator Charlie Parks are proposing a new ordinance requiring rentals to have a minimum seven-day stay and operate no more than six months per year. The town attorney will draft the ordinance with further discussions and decisions expected soon.