Daily Regulatory Notes 11/27/2024
Cities are tightening short-term rental regulations. Dougherty County, GA, proposes inspections, Coudersport, PA, addresses state law ambiguities, and West Chester, PA, limits rentals. Beverly Hills, CA, suggests longer lease terms, while Ocean City, NJ, introduces a 3% occupancy tax.
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. đź“°
Dougherty County, GA
Dougherty County is considering a new ordinance to regulate short-term rental properties, aiming to balance visitor needs with community concerns. The proposal, set for a vote on Dec. 2, would require property owners to undergo home inspections to meet county standards, ensuring safe and reliable accommodations for out-of-town renters.
```For transparency, owners must notify neighbors with details on occupancy limits and provide a 24-hour contact for addressing issues such as noise or overcrowding.
Read the ordinance here.
Coudersport, PA
In a monthly meeting held November 20, the Coudersport Borough Council has tasked solicitor Dan Glassmire with drafting a short-term rental ordinance for committee review, following months of debate on the issue.
The state law (regarding short-term rentals) is a state law, we are powerless to overrule it. But like many laws it’s got some gray area things that are not properly defined.” Glassmire saud. Potter Leader-Enterprise
Glassmire noted that while state laws govern key aspects, ambiguities in definitions—such as differentiating "transient" and "residential" use—create challenges for property owners. For example, rentals of less than 30 days may classify a property as "transient," potentially requiring costly upgrades like sprinkler systems. Glassmire proposed tailoring regulations to ease burdens on owners while ensuring compliance.
West Chester, PA
West Chester Borough has approved new rules for short-term rentals, limiting the total number to 20 and confining most to the Town Center District. Stays are limited to a maximum of 30 days.
Check out the ordinance here.
Rentals, including those listed on Airbnb, must comply with fire safety protocols, including providing renters with written escape routes. The ordinance also prohibits larger events at rental properties to minimize disturbances.
Beverly Hills, CA
The Beverly Hills Planning Commission narrowly approved a recommendation on Nov. 14 for the City Council to adopt stricter short-term rental regulations.
```While short-term rentals have been banned since 2014, the proposed ordinance seeks to extend minimum lease terms to one year for single-family homes and six months for multifamily units, alongside imposing maximum state-allowed fines for violations.
Preview of the ordinance amending STR regulations. Read the whole report here.
Ocean City, NJ
Ocean City’s City Council has introduced a proposed 3% occupancy tax on hotel, motel, and short-term rental stays, including those booked via platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
```Initially targeting online rentals, the ordinance was amended to include traditional lodging to ensure fairness and maximize revenue. The measure, passed 4-3, will face a final vote on Dec. 5, potentially taking effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
For more information, check out "Taxes Imposed on the Rental Accommodations".
Fairfax, CA
The Town of Fairfax is amending its short-term rental ordinance to expand eligibility and simplify the registration process.
During its Nov. 19 meeting, the Town Council unanimously approved a first reading of updates that will permit short-term rentals in all zoning districts and any residence type, so long as the property is occupied by a permanent resident.
```The changes also waive parking requirements, addressing challenges that have prevented nine applicants from qualifying under existing rules.
Monterey, TN
Monterey officials are considering new regulations for short-term rentals, drawing inspiration from Cookeville’s policies. Planning Director Kevin Rush outlined Cookeville’s requirements, including permits with a $100 initial fee and $50 annual renewal, mandatory fire inspections, proof of $1 million liability insurance, and a business license.
"If this is something that you want to proceed with, we can change any of these requirements, [or] we can take them as is and modify them for Monterey," Planning Director Kevin Rush said. Herald Citizen
Additional rules mandate guest logs, posted permits, and compliance with safety features like hardwired smoke detectors and secondary egress in sleeping areas.
For more information about the Short-Term Rental Unit Act in Tennessee, check out Senate Bill 1086.