Daily Regulatory Notes 04/17/2025
Cities address STRs. Houston, TX approves regulations; Wilmington, DE & Evanston, IL review enforcement; North Myrtle Beach, SC explores ordinance; Traverse City, MI discusses zoning and non-zoning restrictions; Smithfield, VA recommends approval of permit. 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. 📰
After months of debate, Houston is finally implementing short-term rental regulations, marking a major shift for a city long challenged by its lack of zoning laws.
Beginning January 1, all rentals of fewer than 30 days must be registered annually with the city for $275 per unit, and repeat violations tied to noise, trash, or health code infractions can lead to license revocation. A new online portal will allow neighbors to report problematic properties, while the ARA Department will receive monthly updates from public safety agencies to track violations.
Meanwhile, the ordinance includes a clause allowing the city to ban operators who’ve had three or more licenses revoked over two years, signaling that repeat offenders could face broader penalties down the line.
The debate over short-term rentals in Wilmington has resurfaced amid the city’s worsening housing crisis. A past attempt by former Councilmember Bregetta Fields to rein in STRs was met with resistance and ultimately withdrawn, but she vowed the conversation would continue.
Preview of Ordinance 0509
The ordinance had sought to limit STRs and protect neighborhood character, echoing policies in other cities trying to ease housing shortages. With rent prices surging and homelessness on the rise, policymakers are now exploring broader solutions, including a newly reintroduced rent stabilization bill. Housing advocates are also urging city leaders to center tenant voices and treat housing as a basic right rather than a commodity.
North Myrtle Beach has yet to finalize any regulations for short-term rentals but continues to refine ideas like a Responsible Local Agent Ordinance, which would require designated agents to be licensed, based nearby, and able to respond in person within an hour of emergency calls.
These discussions which began at a January 7 workshop have also introduced the idea of a short-term rental registry, rental unit signage with contact details, and enforcement penalties for violations. No ordinance has yet reached the Planning Commission or full council, but residents can voice input at the May 5 public meeting.
```⭐ 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.
Traverse City is moving toward new zoning and non-zoning restrictions aimed at curbing the impact of short-term rentals (STRs) with planning commissioners preparing for a public hearing on May 6 that could advance a major zoning overhaul.
```The proposed zoning amendments would significantly lower the allowable percentage of STRs in multiple districts, including cuts from 100% to 25% in D-1, D-3, and C-4c zones and down to 0% in Industrial districts, while retaining higher caps in commercial-heavy areas like the HR and downtown districts.
Smithfield could soon see another full-time short-term rental added to its historic district, as the Planning Commission recommended approving former Town Councilman Jim Collins’ request for a special use permit at 328 Main St.
The town’s zoning ordinance updated in 2020, allows homeowners to rent by right up to 104 nights annually, but anything more—like year-round operations—requires a special permit. If the Town Council approves the application, Collins’ property will become the fifth permitted STR in the district.
Evanston officials are aiming to strengthen their oversight of vacation rentals, as new software revealed a huge disparity between the 238 listings across platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo and the mere 25 that are actually licensed with the city.
At the Housing and Community Development Committee’s final meeting of the term, staff recommended giving owners 60 days to register while also rethinking how to define and verify “owner-occupied” units, a central point in deciding who should qualify for short-term rental licenses going forward.
In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
READ: 04/16/2025 Daily Regulatory Notes
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Dane Artisola