Daily Regulatory Notes 04/01/2025
Cities address STRs. Connecticut advances bill; Houston, TX schedules vote; Fort Walton Beach, FL reviews ordinance; Peninsula Township, MI amends ordinance; Richmond Heights, OH passes resolution. 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. 📰
Connecticut
On March 24, Connecticut’s HB-07238 advanced in a legislative hearing, moving closer to creating a state STR registry and permitting a municipal tax of up to 2.75% on rentals.
The bill would also require platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to collect and remit taxes. Supporters argue it levels the playing field with hotels, while opponents, including the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, cite administrative burdens and potential overregulation.
Houston, TX
Houston’s City Council will vote on April 3 on a new short-term rental ordinance that would require all STR operators to register with the city and follow strict regulations on noise, safety, and tax compliance.
The ordinance would add Article XXIII to Chapter 28 of the Code of Ordinances, establishing an annual $275 registration fee and requiring STR platforms to remove unregistered listings. Violations, such as unpaid hotel occupancy taxes or repeated noise complaints, could lead to revocation of permits. If passed, a 180-day implementation period will allow operators time to comply.
```Fort Walton Beach, FL
Fort Walton Beach is refining a 20-page short-term rental ordinance ahead of its April 8 first reading.
The proposed rules, modeled after regulations in Walton County and Destin, would require annual registration, local management within 30 miles, occupancy limits, parking minimums, and fire safety measures. It also bans commercial events and charter bus services. The ordinance will be reviewed by the Local Planning Agency before finalization.
⭐ 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.
STRisker Calendar Tracker
Staying ahead of STR regulations isn’t just about deadlines—it’s about knowing what’s coming. Our Calendar Tracker keeps you informed on upcoming meetings, key votes, and policy changes, so you never miss a critical update.
Peninsula Township, MI
Peninsula Township has amended its ordinance to impose fines for illegal short-term rentals, aiming for quicker enforcement without court delays.
Rentals under 30 days remain prohibited, with escalating fines starting at $500 for a first offense and reaching $5,000 after four violations. Township leaders hope the new penalties will deter violations and reinforce long-standing zoning rules.
Richmond Heights, OH
Richmond Heights City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing Ohio Senate Bill 104 which would limit local control over short-term rental regulations.
The city, which banned STRs in residential areas in August 2023 due to community complaints about disruptive parties, argues that S.B. 104 violates its home-rule authority. The bill, introduced in February, remains in committee.
In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
READ: 03/31/2025 Daily Regulatory Notes