Daily Regulatory Notes 04/02/2026

Laketown Township, MI

Laketown Township is revising a proposed short-term rental zoning ordinance following strong community pushback focused on enforcement and neighborhood impacts.

Laketown Township neighbors ask for short-term rental enforcement as commission weighs zoning changes

Laketown Township’s Planning Commission is revising a proposed zoning ordinance that would restrict where short-term rentals are allowed, following pushback from neighbors demanding stricter enforcement of existing rules.

FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI)By: Alina Hauter

The draft rules would classify STRs as commercial uses, allowing them in mixed-use zones while restricting them in residential areas, particularly banning non-owner-occupied single-family homes. The proposal also reduces occupancy limits from 16 to 10 guests and allows only accessory dwelling units to operate as rentals in residential zones. Existing licensed units would be grandfathered in.

Watch: Laketown Township neighbors demand short-term rental enforcement as commission weighs zoning changes

Ishpeming, MI

The Ishpeming City Council has adopted its first ordinance regulating short-term rentals after several years of debate and revisions.

Short-term rental ordinance moves forward in Ishpeming

Right now, the ordinance allows almost 50 short-term rental properties.

WLUCBlake Rierson

The new rules apply to properties rented for 30 days or less and currently allow for nearly 50 short-term rental units in the city. Officials described the measure as a starting point, noting it can be adjusted over time based on community feedback and market demand.

Draper, UT

A fire at a suspected short-term rental in Draper is fueling calls from residents to introduce local regulations for properties like Airbnbs.

Neighbors raised concerns about safety, oversight, and the lack of on-site management, with some advocating for owner-occupancy requirements to improve accountability. City officials confirmed that Draper currently does not regulate short-term rentals but is now evaluating a potential ordinance, with possible adoption later this year.

Accessory Dwelling Units Permits | City of Draper

City of Draper

Lowndes County, MS

Lowndes County has approved a new short-term rental ordinance that will subject properties like Airbnb and VRBO listings to a 2% hotel tax.

The measure also introduces registration and permitting requirements, including annual renewals, a $125 initial fee, and a $50 renewal fee. Operators must designate a local property manager and post signage with permit and contact details for complaints. Officials say platforms will notify hosts ahead of enforcement, with noncompliance potentially leading to permit revocation.

Hilton Head, SC

Hilton Head Island has approved a new fee structure for short-term rental permits, shifting from a flat $250 rate to a $150 per-bedroom fee.

The change, effective when renewals open April 6, will increase costs for larger properties while lowering fees for smaller units. The program is expected to generate over $3 million annually to fund staffing, code enforcement, and operations.

Fayetteville, TX

A Washington County Circuit Court judge has upheld Fayetteville’s short-term rental ordinance, siding with the city in a lawsuit challenging its validity.

The case stemmed from a denied permit application after officials determined the neighborhood had reached its limit of short-term rentals under existing code. The court ruled the ordinance is not unconstitutionally vague and does not infringe on property rights, reinforcing the city’s authority to regulate STRs. Fayetteville’s rules include licensing, inspections, and a cap of 475 units, along with stricter requirements for non-owner-occupied rentals.

Springfield, MO

Springfield voters are set to decide on April 7 whether to approve a 3% increase in the city’s hotel license tax, a measure that would directly apply to hotels and short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo.

Hotel/Motel Tax | Springfield, MO - Official Website

Revenues from this tax, which are overseen by the Citizens Tax Oversight Committee, fund Visit Springfield (47%), debt service for Jordan Valley Park (44%), the Springfield Sports Commission (4.5%) and the Springfield Regional Arts Council (4.5%).

Home pageGovernment Websites by CivicPlus®

If passed, the tax would raise the current rate from 5% to 8%, bringing the total lodging tax to 16.1%, with collections beginning July 1, 2026 and expiring after 35 years. The proposal comes after a similar measure was narrowly rejected in November 2025, prompting city officials to revise the plan by adding a sunset clause and expanding project transparency. Revenue from the tax would fund a proposed $175 million convention and events center tied to the expansion of the Springfield Expo Center.

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