Daily Regulatory Notes 02/20/2025
Cities address STRs. Indian Rocks Beach, FL postpones final vote; Greensboro, NC & Ocean City, MD vote regulations; Fayetteville, AR passes resolution; Alexandria, VA proposes regulations; Newry, ME 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. 📰
Indian Rocks Beach, FL
The Indian Rocks Beach City Commission postponed a final vote on proposed short-term rental regulations after significant public opposition. The ordinance which includes increasing the maximum occupancy from 10 to 12 guests, passed its first reading in January amid strong resistance from residents.
At the second reading on Feb. 12, Commissioner John Bigelow called for a delay to allow for a public workshop, which all commissioners supported. While Mayor Denise Houseberg expressed skepticism that the workshop would change much, officials plan to hold it before the March 11 election to allow more community input before the final vote.
Greensboro, NC
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 02/18/2025
The Greensboro City Council unanimously voted to eliminate the 750-foot spacing requirement for short-term rentals, citing concerns over potential legal challenges.
Read the regulations here (pgs. 299-304). The file is also available below.
The move follows a recent N.C. Court of Appeals ruling that struck down similar restrictions in Wilmington. Officials warned that keeping the rule could risk invalidating the entire ordinance which regulates short-term rentals through zoning permits.
Ocean City, MD
Following a shift in position, Ocean City’s City Council voted to eliminate short-term rentals in single-family and mobile home zones within three years favoring a 31-day minimum rental term.
The transition includes a five-night minimum stay requirement in 2025 and 2026 to give property owners time to adjust. The decision stems from concerns that short-term rentals function as businesses, which contradicts zoning policies in these neighborhoods. Other residential zones, including condominiums and multi-family dwellings, will remain unaffected.
Fayetteville, AR
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 02/12/2025
The Fayetteville City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging state lawmakers to preserve local control over short-term rental regulations as a bill advancing in the Legislature seeks to limit municipal oversight.
The resolution requests that cities retain authority over health and fire safety inspections and the ability to evaluate neighborhood compatibility. Council members expressed concern that the resolution might draw unwanted attention from state legislators but ultimately supported it to reinforce the city’s stance.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria city officials are proposing new short-term rental regulations in response to increased complaints from residents. The changes set for discussion at the Feb. 22 City Council meeting would impose occupancy limits, restrict large gatherings, introduce parking minimums, and require 24/7 operator availability for complaints.
The proposal also includes new permitting requirements for rentals used more than 10 days annually and an expanded notification process for neighbors.
```Newry, ME
Newry officials will hold a public meeting on Feb. 26 to discuss a proposed vacation rental ordinance, aiming to improve health and safety standards without limiting the number of rentals.
Code Enforcement Officer Joelle Corey emphasized that the town will require annual registration and compliance affidavits but will not conduct individual inspections or use outside management services. The proposal responds to resident complaints about parking, noise, and overuse of wastewater systems. A final vote on the ordinance is set for the May 13 Town Meeting.
```In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
READ: 02/19/2025 Daily Notes
Genelaine Urbano
READ: Global Regulatory Notes (3)
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