Daily Regulatory Notes 03/26/2025
Cities address STRs. California introduces bill; Buffalo, NY reviews amendments; Pinellas County, FL considers regulations; Eagle County, CO reviews regulations; Waynesville, NC advances draft. 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. 📰
California
A new bill introduced in California aims to increase transparency in short-term rental operations by requiring platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to share detailed property information when remitting hotel taxes to local governments.
The legislation would also mandate hosts to publicly display permit numbers to verify compliance. Proponents argue this would improve enforcement, ensuring rentals follow local laws and tax payments are auditable, as seen in San Francisco’s existing system. However, Airbnb and host groups have expressed concerns over privacy and administrative burdens.
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo lawmakers are set to pass amendments tightening short-term rental regulations, focusing on restricting non-owner-occupied rentals in residential neighborhoods while shifting STR activity to commercial corridors.
The changes follow a temporary moratorium passed in December, allowing officials to reassess zoning and licensing rules. Owners in residential areas will now require a zoning variance, and buildings with three or more units will be allowed STR use only if owner-occupied.
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County commissioners are considering new regulations for short-term rentals, including a mandatory registry, bi-annual inspections, and a $450 annual operation fee.
The proposed rules aimed at addressing rising complaints over noise, occupancy, and disruptive guests would also limit rentals to a maximum of 10 occupants. If approved at Tuesday’s public hearing, the new rules could take effect by April, with enforcement through fines for noncompliance.
Eagle County, CO
Eagle County commissioners reviewed three potential approaches for regulating short-term rentals, acknowledging the complexity of enforcement given that 87% of STRs are in Beaver Creek and already monitored.
Options include requiring registration for all STRs, exempting units already under HOA oversight, or solely collecting data for future policy adjustments. Officials emphasized the challenge of balancing simplicity with effective oversight, particularly as STRs are concentrated in resort areas rather than significantly impacting workforce housing.
Waynesville, NC
After 18 months of review, Waynesville’s planning board is advancing a draft policy that would allow short-term rentals in all residential zoning districts while implementing regulations for parking, trash disposal, and emergency contact postings.
The proposal also distinguishes between home stays—where the owner lives on-site—and short-term vacation rentals, which operate without an owner present. The board will continue refining the proposal before a public hearing, expected in May, with final approval required from the town council.
In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
READ: 03/25/2025 Daily Regulatory Notes
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