Daily Regulatory Notes 09/03/2025
Cities address STRs. Hawaii reviews bill; West Fargo, ND revises draft; St. Joseph, MI delays decision; Orem. UT reworks enforcement; Cheektowaga, NY discusses STR; Gothenburg, NE approves changes; Laurel, MS proposes rules; Union City, NC reviews enforcement. READ MORE.
Hawaii
Maui’s battle over vacation rentals is moving into the courts as Bill 9 nears final approval. The measure would phase out short-term rentals in apartment-zoned buildings by 2028 in West Maui and 2030 elsewhere, aiming to free housing for residents.
Owners argue it strips long-standing property rights, with condo associations and the Maui Vacation Rental Association pledging lawsuits and already raising legal defense funds. County attorneys say a 2024 state law gives them clear authority, but injunctions could keep rentals operating for years as challenges play out.
The city will soon revise its draft short-term rental ordinance after community input showed mixed views on owner-occupancy requirements.
About 50% of survey respondents opposed mandating that rentals be a host’s primary residence, but many backed registration and inspections. During discussions, some officials raised concerns that parts of the proposal may be overreaching, citing local events that draw groups of visitors.
City commissioners have delayed a decision on whether to allow eight new short-term rental units downtown after a lengthy public hearing.
Building owner Brian Barrett is seeking approval to convert apartments on State and Market Streets, but the planning commission previously recommended denial, citing housing affordability concerns. Barrett argued the building fits with its surroundings, located near a hotel, and commissioners agreed to table the request for further policy discussion and community dialogue before revisiting it at a future meeting.
City leaders are reworking their approach to short-term rentals after an August 26 meeting raised questions about enforcement and revenue.
Council members debated whether existing fines of $500 to $1,000 are enough to deter unlicensed rentals, with some suggesting penalties be tied to property size and potential earnings. They also floated the idea of a transient room tax, though much of that revenue would flow to the county. Concerns over occupancy limits and the risk of student housing loopholes also surfaced, signaling more refinements ahead before rules are finalized.
At their August 26 meeting, town leaders confronted two pressing community concerns: safety and short-term rentals. Residents voiced frustration with crime and governance, pushing for stronger action.
The board then turned to a proposed ordinance that would require short-term rentals to be licensed, meet safety standards, and undergo regular inspections, with the power to close down violators. Though the hearing drew no live comments, written feedback was acknowledged, underscoring the community’s investment as Cheektowaga considers stricter oversight of the rental market.
The City Council on August 19 approved changes to its short-term rental ordinance to keep pace with the growing presence of Airbnbs in town.
Previously limited to R-1 and R-2 districts, the ordinance now extends to R-3, R-4, C-2, and C-3 zones, giving the council oversight on rentals through the special use permit process and ensuring neighbors can weigh in. The amendment also adds parking and signage rules, with officials stressing the need to manage rentals before they spread unchecked. By waiving the usual three readings, the council made the ordinance effective immediately.
The Laurel City Council is preparing to increase costs for short-term rental operators by reclassifying them as commercial businesses.
The proposal, which comes as the city tracks more than 120 active listings, would shift Airbnb and Vrbo properties from residential to commercial utility and garbage rates upon license renewal. Mayor Johnny Magee said the move reflects how these rentals operate in practice, adding that the city already collects a 3% tourism tax from them.
Short-Term Rental Frequently Asked Questions:
Recent changes to North Carolina law allow some short-term rental pools to bypass public permitting, but Union County health officials say their commitment to swimmer safety hasn’t changed.
Public pools in hotels and fitness centers remain under strict inspection, and the county is urging renters and pool owners to follow best practices such as proper barriers, safety gear, and clear upkeep. Health Director Traci Colley emphasized that while legislation has eased rules for residential STR pools, oversight of true public facilities continues unchanged.
In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
Crystel
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