Daily Regulatory Notes 03/20/2025
Cities address STRs. Arkansas pushes back proposed legislation; Marion, MA introduces bylaw; Hattiesburg, MS approves ordinance; West Chester Township, OH considers zoning changes; Morro Bay, CA & Petersburg, VA review ordinance; Franklin, NH reviews enforcement. 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. 📰
Arkansas
Arkansas renters and housing advocates are pushing back against proposed state legislation that would limit local control over rental regulations.
Protesters gathered at the Capitol to oppose SB91, which blocks rent caps, and HB1790, which prevents cities from restricting short-term rentals like Airbnb. Activists are calling for stronger tenant protections and humane eviction policies, though legislative efforts on those issues remain stalled. In contrast, a bipartisan bill promoting accessory dwelling units has received praise for addressing housing shortages.
Marion, MA
Marion’s Planning Board has introduced a short-term rental bylaw for consideration at the May 12 Town Meeting.
```The proposal establishes rental duration limits, requiring a minimum two-night stay and a maximum of 32 consecutive days. Property owners must register annually with the building commissioner, maintain $1 million in liability insurance, and ensure safety measures such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Income-restricted housing units would be prohibited from being used as short-term rentals, with violators facing potential fines and registration suspensions.
Hattiesburg, MS
Hattiesburg’s City Council has approved a new ordinance regulating short-term rentals, requiring operators to obtain a privilege tax license, register with the city, and pass safety inspections.
The ordinance introduces a $250 first-time application fee and a $170 annual renewal fee, covering fire inspections and licensing costs. The ordinance will take effect in 60 days.
West Chester Township, OH
West Chester Township is considering zoning changes that would allow short-term rentals in designated districts while maintaining restrictions elsewhere. The township currently has a moratorium in place as officials refine regulations.
The proposal was recommended for approval by the zoning commission and will go before the Board of Trustees on April 8 for a final decision.
```⭐ Staying ahead of STR regulations isn’t just about deadlines—it’s about knowing what’s coming. Check out the Calendar Tracker to stay updated on your area's meetings or workshops.
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.
Morro Bay, CA
Morro Bay’s City Council recently reviewed its short-term rental ordinance highlighting the city’s reliance on transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenue while addressing concerns over inactive rental permits.
The city currently has 193 STRs, with 186 properties on the waitlist. The city has also ended its contract with a third-party STR monitoring service and must decide on a replacement. No new STRs will be approved until the city completes its ongoing permit audit.
Franklin, NH
Franklin’s working group on short-term rentals (STRs) presented two regulatory options at a community forum: increasing restrictions or enforcing existing ordinances.
After reviewing legal precedents and consulting with various municipalities, the group chose to focus on enforcing current zoning and nuisance laws. However, residents near Webster Lake expressed frustration, citing ongoing issues like overcrowding, illegal parking, and waste management. The discussion will continue as officials seek ways to improve STR oversight without overstepping state legal boundaries.
Petersburg, VA
The Petersburg Planning Commission reviewed proposed regulations that would legalize and regulate short-term rentals, which are currently unrecognized by the city's zoning ordinance.
Read more about the proposed ordinance here.
The proposed framework includes a mandatory registry, annual recertification, safety standards, occupancy limits, and taxation provisions to ensure compliance. Operators must register with the city, designate a 24/7 responsible party, maintain liability insurance, and adhere to zoning rules, including restrictions on non-owner-occupied rentals. Violations could result in fines or revocation of registration, with an appeals process available through the Board of Zoning Appeals.
In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
READ: 03/19/2025 Daily Regulatory Notes