Daily Regulatory Notes 07/09/2025
Cities address STRs. Los Angeles County, CA reviews regulations; Liberty Township, OH extends moratorium; Milton, DE submits zoning recommendation; Columbus, OH reviews enforcement; Ocean City, MD proposes rules; Oglesby, IL; Holmes Beach, FL; El Paso County, TX. READ MORE.
Los Angeles County is stepping up its oversight of short-term rentals following the tragic death of Tyler Gardner at an unregistered property in Hacienda Heights. Supervisor Hilda Solis introduced a motion directing a full review of the County’s 2024 STR Ordinance.
Despite rules requiring registration and compliance, enforcement has proven difficult, especially with unlisted rentals. The Board has now ordered a multi-agency audit to identify enforcement gaps, better coordinate response to complaints, and improve detection of off-platform STRs—an effort made urgent by public safety concerns and upcoming large-scale events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
Liberty Township has officially banned short-term rentals and extended its moratorium on them through January 1, following escalating complaints from residents in neighborhoods like Crescent Moon.
Citing late-night parties, intoxicated guests, and safety concerns, trustees voted to both prohibit STRs and update zoning regulations to align with the new rule. With over 1,000 listings now in Butler County, officials say enforcement clarity is crucial. The moratorium gives planners time to finalize zoning amendments which must go through a formal three-month approval process.
Milton, Delaware is taking a closer look at how to manage short-term rentals, with Town Council asking its Planning and Zoning Commission to submit zoning recommendations by September 8.
This follows growing concern among residents about the impact STRs are having on neighborhood character, especially in residential zones. While the town already passed a new licensing and occupancy ordinance in June, officials say zoning rules are the next step.
Columbus leaders are rethinking short-term rental rules after a fatal mass shooting at a holiday Airbnb party reignited concerns about safety at large gatherings.
Mayor Andrew Ginther said the city will consider new restrictions on STRs and large parties to address ongoing violence, though no specific proposals were announced. Police and rental platforms are now in talks to develop solutions, and the city may revisit its licensing approach to improve oversight and accountability.
Ocean City’s short-term rental industry is bracing for major change ahead of a July 22 referendum that could sharply restrict vacation stays in residential neighborhoods and mobile home communities.
The proposed rules would mandate a five-night minimum stay immediately, increasing to 31 nights by 2027—an adjustment that STR operators say could eliminate most of their business.
The Oglesby City Council is revisiting its stance on short-term rentals after previously denying a request, with new proposals now under consideration.
City Clerk
Commissioner Austin Cullinan is pushing for limited allowances, including a 30-day maximum for non-primary residences and possible leeway for homeowners renting their own homes temporarily. A fresh vote on the denied application may happen July 21, but deep divisions remain. Commissioner Hilary Moyle remains staunchly opposed, warning STRs could worsen housing affordability in a market already tough for young families. Mayor Jason Curran suggested there may be room for compromise, though no consensus has formed yet.
Short-term rental owners in Holmes Beach are now officially subject to higher fire assessment rates after the West Manatee Fire Rescue District prevailed in court over a lawsuit challenging the change.
The case, brought by C&D Properties of AMI, argued that WMFR’s reclassification of STRs as commercial properties—with higher associated fees—was unlawful. But a May 29 ruling by Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas upheld the district’s position, and with the June 28 appeal deadline now passed, the decision stands.
WMFR says the updated fees fund a vacation rental inspection program that ensures compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, which imposes stricter safety standards on transient lodging than typical residences. In a July 2 news release, Fire Chief Ben Rigney emphasized that the district supports owners' right to operate rentals—but also insists they must pay their fair share to cover inspection and enforcement costs.
El Paso County is considering cracking down on short-term rental operators who aren’t paying their share of the hotel occupancy tax—a move Commissioner David Stout says could help fund major projects like the proposed I-10 Deck Plaza.
With STR platforms like Airbnb and VRBO not currently remitting taxes on behalf of hosts in the county, Stout claims compliance is low and revenue is being lost. He estimates that even modest remittances from STRs could help fund public initiatives without turning to local taxpayers. Talks with the county tax office are ongoing, though no new enforcement measures have yet been finalized.
In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
READ: Daily Regulatory Notes 07/08/2025
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