Daily Regulatory Notes 02/19/2025

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. 📰

Colorado

Colorado lawmakers introduced House Bill 1247 which would allow local voters to increase county lodging taxes from 2% to 6% and expand how the revenue is spent.

While short-term rental industry advocates support using these taxes for workforce and affordable housing, they oppose broader allocations to infrastructure, public safety, and conservation efforts. The bill follows recent efforts to regulate short-term rentals through increased fees and restrictions.

Fountain Hills, AZ

Fountain Hills has launched an online permit registration portal for short-term rental operators giving existing rentals 60 days to comply. Under a previously passed ordinance, owners must obtain an annual permit with emergency contact details, proof of insurance, and a tax license.

Violators will receive written notices and may face penalties of up to $1,000 per month if they fail to comply within 30 days. The Town also introduced a complaint portal for residents to report short-term rental issues, which will be reviewed by Code Enforcement.

Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth’s short-term rental ban remains contested in court with 114 operators challenging the ordinance’s constitutionality. Both parties filed summary judgment motions in late 2024 seeking a ruling without trial. A decision is expected by March.

Plaintiffs argue the regulations violate their property rights, while the city maintains the restrictions serve a legitimate purpose. Meanwhile, a state appeals court recently blocked Dallas from enforcing a similar ban, potentially influencing Fort Worth’s case. A trial is set for September 8, though attorneys believe the case will be decided sooner.

Columbia, TN

Columbia’s City Council is moving forward with changes to its short-term rental regulations by passing the first reading of an amendment that removes the owner-occupancy requirement in some districts, and expands short-term rentals to most areas except heavy manufacturing and civic zones.

A final vote is expected in March. The council emphasized that the amendments apply to a limited area, with the option to revise policies in the future if needed.

South Haven, MI

South Haven's city council is advancing new short-term rental rules including a revised licensing system, occupancy limits, parking regulations, and penalties of up to $1,000 for violations.

A proposed zoning ordinance would create an STR overlay district and require special land use approval for future rentals. Existing rentals must transition to the new system with renewal restrictions based on registration status. The Planning Commission will review the zoning changes, and a public hearing is set for March 3, 2025 to finalize the ordinance updates.

Nantucket, MA

The Nantucket Board of Health is exploring new regulations to curb large gatherings at short-term rentals requiring a permit for events that exceed a property's registered capacity.

The proposed amendment would grant officials authority to set conditions on guest limits, alcohol service, parking, and noise, with the goal of preventing rentals from operating as event spaces. Modeled after Edgartown’s regulations, the amendment aims to prevent short-term rentals from being used as event venues.

In case you missed it:

Daily Regulatory Notes 02/18/2025

Cities address STRs. Hollywood Park, TX settles lawsuit; Saratoga Springs, NY tackles occupancy tax; Cape Coral, FL discusses violations; Maui, HI reviews enforcement; New Orleans, LA handles lawsuit; Greensboro, NC reviews regulation. READ MORE.

STRisker - Short-term regulatory changes and newsGenelaine Urbano

Weekly Regulatory Briefing (7)

Each week, we bring together the biggest updates in short-term rental regulations from coast to coast. Whether it’s fresh local regulations, emerging trends, or major discussions, our briefing provides all you need to stay in the know.

STRisker - Short-term regulatory changes and newsGenelaine Urbano

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