Daily Regulatory Notes 09/08/2025
Cities address STRs. Cayuga County, NY votes down proposal; Glen Carbon, IL imposes cap; Middletown, RY reviews enforcement; Lakewood, NY grants special-use permit; Sarasota, FL signals firm stance on enforcement; Clark County, NV blocks enforces; Algonac, MI introduces ordinance. READ MORE.
The Cayuga County Legislature votes down a proposal to apply the local hotel tax to short-term rentals and redirect a larger share of the revenue into county coffers.
The failed measure, decided by one missing vote, would have cut the tourism office’s portion of the tax from 95% to 75%, costing the agency more than $200,000. Supporters of the tourism office turned out at the meeting to argue that its marketing efforts generate a 10-to-1 return through visitor spending and warned that trimming its budget would undermine that success. Proponents of the tax change, however, pointed to the county’s $5 million deficit and said retaining more funds could help maintain public facilities.
Glen Carbon trustees voted to impose a cap of 15 non-owner-occupied short-term rentals in the village, setting a clear limit designed to safeguard single-family neighborhoods while still leaving space for the market to grow.
The number was chosen with Edwardsville’s 30-unit cap in mind, but officials stressed it can change as the community develops. The board also approved a companion ordinance requiring inspections before any STR can be granted a special-use permit, with leaders highlighting life safety as the top concern.
Middletown’s August 26 zoning meeting brought residents together to weigh in on short-term rentals, with testimony showing both support and concern for how they fit into the community.
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One resident, Mr. Lombardi, praised local enforcement and said most STRs operate smoothly, noting that existing ordinances on noise, trash, and parking keep problems in check and that fines of up to $500 serve as an effective deterrent. He urged neighbors to report issues rather than view rentals as a widespread threat. Another homeowner, Mr. Jones, shared that while his family relies on renting out their property, he hoped the zoning team would continue managing STRs with the same fairness shown in past neighborhood matters.
Lakewood’s trustees granted three special-use permits for short-term rentals this week, spotlighting the village’s ongoing struggle to balance enforcement of its 2024 STR law with property owners seeking exceptions.
Rentals on Chautauqua Ave. and Fairmount Ave. were approved unanimously, but the 133 W. Summit St. permit, located in a restricted R-1 district, passed narrowly 3-2 after debate over whether granting variances weakens the law. Supporters argued the process exists to review cases individually, while opponents said bending the rules undermines neighborhood protections and could open the door for more challenges. Current regulations ban STRs in single- and multi-family districts, define them as rentals of fewer than 30 days, and impose annual fees of $500–$1,500 based on residency.
The City of Sarasota signaled its firm stance on vacation rental enforcement, tackling cases where owners failed to secure the required registration.
The property at 2225 Bay Vista was cited for advertising and operating without approval, with fines already at $13,900 and a $100 daily penalty still accruing until compliance is met; the owner claimed the lapse was an oversight and pledged to resolve it before the October 16 follow-up. Kyphus Rentals LLC faced a similar violation, with fines increased and another review set for October 2.
A federal judge blocks Clark County from enforcing new rules that would have forced Airbnb to monitor and remove unlicensed short-term rental listings, siding with the platform and the Greater Las Vegas Short-Term Rental Association in their lawsuit.
The preliminary injunction rests on Section 230 protections, with Judge Miranda Du ruling that Airbnb is likely to succeed on the merits of its case. The county’s rules included fines of up to $1,000 and strict limits on licensing that plaintiffs argue effectively ban most rentals. With only 174 permits issued out of a housing stock of 300,000, hosts say the system is broken and leaves many in limbo, while Airbnb calls the decision a victory for Nevada families fighting against entrenched resort interests.
Algonac takes its first formal step toward regulating short-term rentals, with the City Council voting unanimously on August 19 to introduce a new ordinance aimed at balancing the city’s growing visitor demand with neighborhood stability.
The proposal requires annual registration and inspections, sets occupancy and parking limits, and establishes penalties for repeat violations, with Mayor Rocky Gillis emphasizing the need to address noise, safety, and housing impacts while still welcoming visitors.
In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
Genelaine Urbano
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