Daily Regulatory Notes 03/06/2025
Cities address STRs. Indian Rocks Beach, FL handles lawsuit; Pinellas County, FL and East Haven, CT advance ordinance; Pittsburgh, PA reports enforcement; Darien, IL revisits ordinance; Saugatuck, MI holds study session; Falmouth, MA approves mission statement. 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
Indian Rocks Beach commissioners voted 4-1 to fight a lawsuit from a vacation rental company challenging the city's 2023 short-term rental ordinance which limits occupancy to 10 guests.
The lawsuit argues the rule caused significant economic loss. While the mayor warned of ongoing legal costs, a majority of commissioners sided with residents pushing for stronger enforcement. The case will proceed to mediation before a potential court date.
```Pinellas County, FL
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 02/27/2025
Pinellas County commissioners are advancing a short-term rental ordinance aimed at improving oversight in unincorporated areas with a final vote expected after a second hearing next month.
The proposed rules would require all rental operators to obtain a Certificate of Use, undergo inspections, and register with tax authorities, with annual renewals costing up to $450. Enforcement will be strengthened with additional officers and third-party tracking software. Noise complaints and overcrowding remain major resident concerns, and commissioners may revise occupancy limits and add penalties for violations before the final vote.
Pittsburgh, PA
Mayor Ed Gainey updated the public on Pittsburgh’s voluntary rental registration program emphasizing its goal of improving housing safety.
Since December, 130 property owners including out-of-state landlords have applied with inspections revealing common safety concerns like improper dryer vents. The city will begin enforcing registration requirements after June 1.
⭐ Catch the details and latest updates about your local areas using STRisker's News Tracker.
Trying to keep up with STR regulations across multiple cities and states? STRisker's News Tracker makes it easier than ever. Filter by location, search a comprehensive database, and sort by impact level—this tool helps you focus on what matters most.
Darien, IL
Darien is considering strengthening its nearly two-year-old short-term rental ban by prohibiting property owners from even listing rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
This follows ongoing enforcement challenges where some owners claimed they only advertised but did not actually rent their properties. Under the proposal, violations could result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,500.
Saugatuck, MI
The Saugatuck City Council held a study session on Wednesday at 4 PM to discuss potential updates to Bed and Breakfast rules and the implementation of new short-term rental regulations.
Topics include allowing accessory buildings for guest stays, a recommendation prompted by two requests last December, and a review of the city's short-term rental licensing lottery, enforcement measures, and complaint hotline. While no decisions will be made during the session, discussions could influence policy decisions at the next business meeting on Monday.
Falmouth, MA
The Falmouth Select Board unanimously approved a mission statement for the newly formed Short-Term Rental Advisory Committee which was created to develop updated regulations.
The seven-member committee will explore both general and zoning bylaw options while gathering extensive public input.
East Haven, CT
East Haven is advancing a proposed short-term rental ordinance that would require rentals to be a primary residence for at least 183 days per year, limit rentals to 105 days annually, and set a minimum stay of seven days.
Read the full ordinance here.
The proposal also mandates a special permit with an initial $2,000 fee, though officials are considering a tiered fee system. A revised ordinance will be discussed at a March 11 public hearing, with a vote expected immediately after.
```In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
READ: 03/05/2025 Daily Notes