Daily Regulatory Notes 03/19/2026

Idaho

A new short-term rental bill approved by the Idaho Legislature is poised to reduce local regulatory control, with House Bill 583 sent to Brad Little for final consideration.

The legislation would limit cities and counties to basic safety regulations, preventing them from setting stricter rules such as occupancy limits, licensing requirements, or caps on rental activity. Supporters say the bill protects property rights and prevents overly restrictive local ordinances, while opponents warn it removes key tools for addressing neighborhood concerns and housing shortages.

Columbia Falls, MT

Columbia Falls is considering major changes to its short-term rental regulations, including a potential shift to allowing permits only for primary residents.

Short-Term Rentals | Columbia Falls, MT

Columbia Falls MT HomepageGovernment Websites by CivicPlus®

The proposed framework would simplify the permitting process, introduce higher fees and stronger enforcement, and eliminate zoning-based distinctions. Planning commission members are pushing for stricter limits to prevent investor-owned rentals from dominating the market, but city officials have raised concerns about legal risks and favor a more gradual approach. The city council is expected to provide direction on the policy in April as it works toward a new ordinance by 2027.

Beaufort, SC

The Beaufort City Council has advanced a revised short-term rental ordinance on first reading, introducing a citywide framework aimed at limiting clustering and standardizing regulation.

Short Term Rentals | Beaufort SC

Short-Term Rentals (STR) are defined in Beaufort Development Code as rental of a dwelling unit for a period of less than 30 days.

CityOfBeaufort-Logo-TEXTONLYGovernment Websites by CivicPlus®

Key provisions include a 6% cap on rentals in residential neighborhoods, a 300-foot spacing requirement, and a one-per-parcel limit, alongside updated rules on licensing and transfers. Council members debated how the cap should be calculated and whether existing rentals should count toward it, with revisions expected before a second reading.

Kingston, NY

Officials in Kingston are advancing plans for a local occupancy tax that would apply to short-term rentals and traditional lodging, following a 7-0 council vote to initiate the state approval process.

The proposed tax, capped at 3%, still requires authorization from Albany and the governor before it can be enacted locally. City leaders say the measure could generate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, though discussions remain over whether to set a lower rate and how the revenue should be used.

STRisker Government Office Dashboard

Trying to keep up with the main players in the STR game? Know your councilmembers, commissioners, committee chairs, and key staff that are part of the process.

Create Your Watchlist - 14 Day Free Trial

Chincoteague, VA

The Chincoteague Planning Commission has recommended removing short-term rentals as a by-right use in R-1 residential districts.

The proposal would affect several communities but allow existing rentals to continue operating under grandfathering provisions, with new owners required to obtain a business license. Officials say the move is a proactive step to prevent overconcentration, noting that roughly 800 of the island’s 3,500 homes are already used as short-term rentals. The recommendation will now head to a joint public hearing before a final decision is made.

Hudson, NY

The Hudson Common Council is opting to keep its current short-term rental limits in place after its Legal Committee recommended against extending the annual cap from 60 to 120 days.

Officials said the proposed change would affect only a small number of operators, while community feedback largely opposed loosening the rules. Instead, the council is considering a new requirement for property owners to provide contact information to local authorities to improve enforcement and response to complaints. The measure will move to a public hearing before a final vote.

Navarre, FL

The Navarre Beach Fire District is considering a major policy shift that would classify many short-term rentals as commercial properties, triggering higher fire assessment fees and additional safety requirements.

Officials say the move is justified by increased tourism activity and the need to address risks associated with large, high-occupancy rental homes. Property owners have raised concerns about cost impacts and transparency, prompting officials to delay a decision and schedule further public input.

📱 Social Buzz

🎤 Episode Title: Stabby Gunshow
🎤 Episode: Dave & Chuck the Freak's Tasty Bits Podcast

📻 Listen:https://rss.art19.com/episodes/18223b4d-c117-4867-a2ed-670f7342bbcb.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIg5TaW1wbGVQaWUGOgZFVA%3D%3D--1a949bff3fe83b3035f78e99e1aa7b86dd3557cc

👍 We’d love your feedback.
Which stories hit? Which ones missed?

We're constantly refining Daily Notes to make it even more useful for you.

✉️ Just reply directly to this email. We read and respond to every message!

-Will McClure
🙋 P.S.
Know someone else who should be reading Daily Notes? Feel free to forward this along. We’re opening a few more spots.