Daily Regulatory Notes 02/27/2025
Cities address STRs. Anna Maria, FL approves fees; Dallas, TX handles lawsuit; Austin, TX schedules vote; Pinellas County, FL discusses proposal; Norfolk, VA approves amendment; South Haven, MI revises ordinance; Ontario, OR drafts ordinance; Alexandria, VA passes regulations. 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. 📰
Anna Maria, FL
The Anna Maria City Commission unanimously approved new occupancy-based vacation rental registration fees, effective April 1 through March 31, 2026.
Under Resolution R25-809, the annual fee increases to $104.78 per allowed occupant, up from $93.92. Fees range from $419.12 for a four-person rental to $3,038.62 for a 29-person unit, ensuring cost recovery for enforcement without generating profit. The commission also renewed its contract with West Florida Home Inspections for annual STR safety checks, emphasizing compliance with safety measures before issuing rental licenses.
Dallas, TX
Dallas officials are seeking a rehearing from the full appeals court after a three-judge panel upheld a ruling that blocked the city’s short-term rental restrictions in single-family neighborhoods.
The city argues that the court improperly treated zoning and registration rules as inseparable, when the latter is crucial for tax collection and enforcement. The 2023 ordinance had introduced zoning limits, mandatory registration, and stricter penalties, but operators sued, claiming the law effectively shut them down.
Austin, TX
The Austin City Council is set to vote on a series of significant changes to short-term rental regulations, including a requirement for all STR listings to display a city permit number, ensuring compliance with licensing rules.
Another key proposal would mandate that owners with multiple properties maintain at least 1,000 feet between them aiming to limit high-density STR ownership.
Additionally, discussions continue around the enforcement of the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), which applies to STRs operating within the city and requires annual license renewal.
```Pinellas County, FL
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 02/26/2025
Pinellas County commissioners discussed proposed changes to short-term rental regulations Tuesday night, including revising occupancy limits to two people per bedroom and common area, adjusting quiet hours, and introducing a new certificate of use requirement for STR operators.
However, after hearing public concerns that the ordinance would weaken restrictions, commissioners indicated they would keep the 10-person occupancy cap and maintain existing quiet hours. Residents voiced strong opposition, citing issues with disruptive guests, parking congestion, and safety concerns. The updated ordinance, with potential revisions, is set for a vote next month.
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk City Council has officially banned short-term vacation rentals in the West Freemason Historic and Cultural Conservation zoning districts, reversing a 2020 amendment that previously allowed them under a Conditional Use Permit.
The change comes after the West Freemason Civic League requested the removal of STR allowances citing concerns about parking shortages and the need to prioritize homeownership in the area. One existing rental property in the neighborhood will be allowed to continue operating under its current permit until it expires in 2028, at which point renewal will not be an option.
Madison, NH
The Madison Zoning Board of Adjustment has imposed new restrictions on short-term rental owners who previously won a court case against the town, limiting rentals to 15% more than the highest number of days the property was rented in a single year.
This decision affects properties with grandfathered rights, including a home in Eidelweiss now capped at 61 rental days. A 30-day appeal window is open, and further legal challenges are expected as opponents argue the restriction contradicts the court’s ruling.
South Haven, MI
The South Haven City Council has unanimously voted to send a revised short-term rental ordinance to the Planning Commission for an expedited review with a public hearing scheduled for March 3.
Check out the full ordinance here.
The proposed ordinance developed by an STR Workgroup introduces significant changes including a new licensing system, revised occupancy and parking requirements, and an overlay district where new STRs must be located. Existing rentals would transition to the new licensing framework, and two new STR classes would replace the previous system.
```Ontario, OR
The Ontario Planning Commission is set to review a draft ordinance on short-term rentals during its upcoming March 10 meeting with the possibility of forwarding it to the City Council for consideration. This follows its last meeting on February 10, where the commission continued its monthly schedule of addressing regulatory matters.
```Alexandria, VA
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 02/20/2025
Alexandria City Council has passed new short-term rental regulations requiring operators to obtain permits and meet occupancy, parking, and fire safety standards.
The new rules grant the city the authority to revoke permits if properties become nuisances due to repeated violations. Hosts must also notify neighbors and provide contact information. The permitting process will roll out gradually with an initial "gentle enforcement" phase.
In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
READ: 02/26/2025 Daily Notes
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