Daily Regulatory Notes 03/03/2025
Cities address STRs. Colorado reviews STR impact; Catskill votes on occupancy tax; Austin, TX approves regulations; Birmingham, AL proposed regulations; Hermosa Beach, CA updates on ban; Pagosa Springs, CO denies request on rules. 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. 📰
Colorado
A study presented on Feb. 18 found that short-term rentals in Colorado’s mountain resort communities are not the primary driver of rising housing prices, with vacation homes and economic trends playing a larger role.
Researchers noted that STRs represent a minority of housing stock and are predominantly owned by individuals rather than corporations. Despite this, housing advocates argue that regulations remain necessary to balance economic benefits with community needs. Local officials continue to discuss policy solutions to address affordability concerns while considering the study’s findings.
Catskill, NY
The Catskill Village Board of Trustees voted to request state approval for a 4% occupancy tax on short-term rentals including hotels, motels, and STR platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
With Senate approval secured in January, the proposal now awaits Governor Hochul’s signature after Assembly sponsorship by Chris Tague (R-102). Once enacted, the tax will be collected quarterly by booking platforms and remitted to the village.
Austin, TX
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 02/27/2025
The Austin City Council has approved updates to short-term rental regulations, shifting STRs from the land development code to the business code and requiring platforms to collect hotel occupancy tax starting April 1.
Other measures, such as limiting STR ownership within 1,000 feet and mandating license numbers on listings, will be delayed until at least Oct. 1 to allow for state legislative developments and improved enforcement tools.
STRisker.
Tracking local government meetings so you’re always prepared.
Staying ahead of STR regulations isn’t just about deadlines—it’s about knowing what’s coming. STRisker's Calendar Tracker keeps you informed on upcoming meetings, key votes, and policy changes, so you never miss a critical update.
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham city officials are working to establish new short-term rental regulations aimed at enhancing enforcement and public safety. The proposed rules include capping STRs at 1% of citywide housing, requiring a permit lottery if demand exceeds the limit, and allowing immediate license suspension for problematic properties.
The City Council will review the proposals on March 19, followed by a public hearing for community input before a final decision.
Hermosa Beach, CA
Hermosa Beach remains firm on enforcing its ban on short-term rentals in the residential coastal zone despite legal challenges.
On Feb. 18, an administrative hearing officer upheld a $2,500 citation against a resident for renting a room in violation of city code. The decision follows previous rulings where similar fines were overturned, with legal arguments centered on whether the city’s ban requires Coastal Commission approval.
Pagosa Springs, CO
The Pagosa Springs Town Council denied a request to grant a one-time variance to short-term rental rules which would have allowed a family to bypass the town's two-year ownership requirement after inheriting a permitted STR property.
The council upheld its rule that STR licenses are non-transferable, citing concerns about setting a precedent that could weaken regulations aimed at preserving workforce housing.
In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
READ: Weekly Regulatory Briefing (9)