Daily Regulatory Notes 03/12/2025
Cities address STRs. Ohio introduces bill; Goleta, CA reviews enforcement; Meredith, NH & West Chester Township, OH discuss zoning changes; Fullerton, CA denies permit; Sister Bay, WI & Augusta, MO handle lawsuit; West Stockbridge, MA proposes bylaw; Hill County, TX tackles occupancy tax. 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. 📰
Ohio
Ohio lawmakers have introduced bills prohibiting local governments from banning short-term rentals, aiming to boost lodging tax revenue and protect homeowners’ rights.
The bills prevent zoning-based restrictions, owner-occupancy requirements, and limits on rental numbers while allowing local health and safety regulations. Senate Bill 104 recently had its second hearing, while the House version awaits committee review.
Goleta, CA
Goleta’s Planning Commission reviewed the recommendations on regulating short-term vacation rentals and under-used housing during its March 11 meeting.
A city study found 51 active STRs, contributing $245,856 in transient occupancy tax last year. The Planning Commission’s recommendations will guide a draft ordinance set for City Council review in April.
Meredith, NH
Meredith voters will decide on zoning changes related to short-term rentals at the March 12 Town Meeting.
Warrant Article 5 proposes distinguishing between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rentals limiting the latter to 90 days annually while maintaining a 120-day cap for the former. The amendment also includes new occupancy limits and clarifies that ADUs cannot be used as STRs.
```⭐ Staying ahead of STR regulations isn't about just deadlines – it's about knowing what's coming next. Stay updated with upcoming meetings using the Calendar Tracker.
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.
Fullerton, CA
During the Fullerton City Council meeting, officials voted 5-0 to deny an appeal for a short-term rental permit at 1850 Edgecliff Drive following ongoing neighbor complaints.
City staff recommended approval citing no major enforcement issues, but residents argued the property violated "Good Neighbor" guidelines and caused repeated disturbances. The meeting was interrupted multiple times by demonstrators marking the anniversary of Alejandro Campos Rios’ death at the hands of Fullerton Police. Despite disruptions, the council upheld the appeal, effectively revoking the rental permit.
Sister Bay, WI
A lawsuit challenging Sister Bay’s four-bedroom cap on short-term rentals will proceed after a judge denied the village’s motion to dismiss.
Read the full ordinance here.
The regulation limits short-term rentals to four bedrooms per property but allows a 12-person occupancy. Four property owners argue their properties should have been grandfathered in. The court ruled that the claims were justiciable and could not be dismissed on procedural grounds. No hearings are currently scheduled.
West Stockbridge, MA
West Stockbridge’s proposed short-term rental bylaw will go before voters at the May Town Meeting. The measure requires STR owners to register with the town, have a local manager available, and adhere to rental limits based on residency status.
Read the proposed bylaw here.
STRs are capped at 80 days per year, with up to 120 days allowed by special permit. The Select Board also sent a draft accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw back to the Planning Board for a public hearing after a state mandate clarified restrictions. The ADU bylaw would regulate unit size, parking, and ownership while allowing STR use under certain conditions.
West Chester Township, OH
West Chester Twp. is proposing zoning changes that would eliminate bed and breakfasts while regulating short-term rentals.
Stays of 30 days or fewer would be banned in single-family zones but allowed in multi-family and business districts on a case-by-case basis. These updates are part of a broader two-year zoning resolution overhaul, which also includes revised land use plans, restrictions on home businesses, new signage rules, and limitations on food trucks. A final draft is expected by April, with public comments open online.
Hill County, TX
Hill County officials discussed ongoing issues with collecting Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) from short-term rentals, as the tax assessor’s office has not been handling enforcement.
County Judge Justin Lewis emphasized the importance of compliance with some property owners supporting stricter enforcement to ensure fairness. The county may need to reallocate budget funds to address the issue. No action was taken, and officials are still exploring solutions.
Augusta, MO
A lawsuit is challenging Augusta’s short-term rental ordinance which caps rentals at 15 and requires permits, annual inspections, and fees.
The lawsuit filed by a St. Charles County resident argues the $200 annual fee violates Missouri’s constitution by acting as a disguised tax. Augusta leaders are considering modifying the ordinance in response, but the extent of the changes remains unclear.
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Genelaine Urbano
READ: 03/11/2025 Daily Notes