Daily Regulatory Notes 03/31/2025

Niagara Falls, NY

The Niagara Falls City Council is set to reconsider a one-year extension for Granicus, the compliance firm monitoring short-term rental regulations and tax collection.

First hired in 2022, Granicus was tasked with enforcing the city’s STR ordinance, but operators have criticized its performance, citing prolonged system outages. The proposed extension valued at $36,907 was debated during the March 26 council meeting. The 2022 ordinance introduced stricter zoning limits, new permit requirements, and annual fees, with compliance services funded through STR operator payments.

Humboldt County, CA

Humboldt County is adjusting its short-term rental (STR) ordinance through an adaptive management approach, granting special permits and amending regulations.

The Planning Commission approved an STR exception in the Trinidad area, raising the neighborhood concentration to 75% despite the 20% cap, citing the area's large parcels and low anticipated impact. Amendments to the ordinance also include allowing STRs on smaller agricultural parcels, redefining road access requirements, and adding a 300-foot separation rule between STRs.

Milton, DE

Milton’s Planning Zoning Commission has finalized a draft ordinance regulating short-term rentals which will be sent to town council for review in April.

The ordinance, modeled after Lewes’ regulations, limits occupancy to two people per bedroom, requires a local contact available 24/7, and enforces penalties for repeated violations. While the ordinance does not yet include a rental tax, officials suggest town council consider one to cover enforcement costs.

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West Stockbridge, MA

West Stockbridge officials are reviewing proposed amendments to the town’s short-term rental bylaw ahead of the May 5 Town Meeting.

Planning Board Chair Dana Bixby noted that the changes which allow full-time residents to operate an STR off-site and long-term residents to maintain an STR after moving away may require further coordination with general bylaws. Town counsel is currently reviewing the proposal alongside other zoning matters. The Finance Committee's public hearing on budget matters will influence the final warrant, which must be posted by April 28 before Town Meeting consideration.

Alexandria, VA

The Alexandria Planning Commission will review a proposal on May 6 to redevelop the former Department of Community and Human Services building in Del Ray into a short-term rental complex with daycare and retail space.

The developer, Ganges Property Group, is requesting a Special Use Permit to eliminate parking requirements for the 30-unit building. The final decision on the project’s approval will be determined in the upcoming commission meeting.

Ontario, OR

Ontario has officially legalized short-term rentals under Ordinance No. 2837-2025, requiring operators to obtain permits, comply with city regulations, and pay a 10% transient occupancy tax.

After months of revisions by the Planning Commission, the City Council unanimously approved the ordinance on March 25. The new law aims to provide oversight for the estimated 10 rentals currently operating in city limits while ensuring compliance with local tax and lodging rules.

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Weekly Regulatory Briefing (13)

Each week, we bring together the biggest updates in short-term rental regulations from coast to coast. Whether it’s fresh local regulations, emerging trends, or major discussions, our briefing provides all you need to stay in the know.

STRisker - Short-term regulatory changes and newsGenelaine Urbano