Daily Regulatory Notes 03/25/2026
Cities address STRs. Decatur, AL prepares for enforcement; Brook Park, OH reviews enforcement; Pleasant Ridge, MI advances framework; Brewster, MA drafts bylaw; Orange, CA strengthens oversight. READ MORE.
Decatur is transitioning from an outright ban on short-term rentals to a regulated system as it prepares for increased tourism tied to the Rock the South music festival.
Beginning April 1, the city will open applications for a new certification process, allowing operators to legalize previously prohibited rentals under a structured ordinance. The policy introduces caps and spacing rules to limit density in residential neighborhoods, along with safety inspections, parking requirements, and a mandate for a local contact who can respond quickly to issues. With an estimated 80 illegal rentals already operating, the city is offering a 90-day compliance window while also implementing enforcement software to identify violations.
Brook Park officials are clarifying that short-term rentals remain tightly restricted as plans move forward for a major mixed-use development tied to a new stadium project.
Under current rules, only owner-occupied single-family homes may operate as short-term rentals, and even those require a special use permit, effectively barring the use of future apartment units for STR purposes. The clarification comes as interest grows around the proposed 1,500-plus apartments, with some potential investors eyeing event-driven demand from games and concerts.
Pleasant Ridge is advancing a two-part regulatory framework for short-term rentals, combining zoning restrictions with a detailed licensing system as city officials respond to growing oversight needs.
The proposed zoning changes would confine future rentals to multifamily and commercial areas, while giving existing operators in residential zones a limited path to continue through licensing. The accompanying ordinance outlines operational standards such as occupancy limits, quiet hours, and restrictions on certain activities, along with stricter enforcement measures including fines and potential license revocation. Officials also highlighted the need for enforcement technology to track listings across multiple platforms.
Brewster officials are moving forward with a draft bylaw and regulatory framework for short-term rentals, as residents weigh in on proposed requirements during a recent public hearing.
The plan would establish a registration system requiring annual certification, a $300 fee, and detailed disclosures from operators, including insurance coverage, local contact availability, and proof of tax compliance. The proposal also outlines operational rules such as occupancy limits tied to health standards, parking management, and safety information postings, alongside annual reporting and inspection requirements.
The City of Orange is strengthening its oversight of short-term rentals and lodging activity through a new partnership with HdL Companies, aimed at improving compliance and administration across business licensing and tax programs.
The agreement introduces an education-first approach, focusing on helping STR operators and lodging providers better understand registration and reporting requirements while ensuring alignment with local ordinances. HdL will also deploy technology to identify STR listings across booking platforms, supporting enforcement efforts and helping capture lodging tax revenue more consistently.
Short-Term Rentals
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Hawaii’s short-term rental "Gold Rush" is officially over. With taxes hitting 18% and $10k/day fines rolling out, your Airbnb strategy might be illegal in 2026. Watch my full breakdown of the new laws here: #HawaiiRealEstate #STR #Investing pic.twitter.com/AEQ6SL5Eia
— Island Dragonfly (@isledragonfly) March 25, 2026
A South Florida family is demanding accountability after their 4-year-old daughter drowned at a short-term rental property.
— Coastal Conservative News (@CoastalCNews) March 24, 2026
Authorities say the child was found unresponsive in a pool at a home in Northeast Miami-Dade and later pronounced dead.
Now, the parents are speaking out,… pic.twitter.com/FRPQpvPGuz
Among other provisions, the legislation for short-term rentals would establish countywide registries of short-term rental properties, require the designation of a 24/7 “person in charge” for each property, create distinct regulatory categories for homestay operators, and more.…
— Newstalk1037fm (@Newstalk1037fm) March 24, 2026
HB 583 would prevent cities like McCall from enacting anti-business laws on short term rentals. This is reducing the influence of government, not more statism. Good for Idaho.
— Andy Cooley- Idaho-Noudaho (@andy_coole57548) March 23, 2026
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