Daily Regulatory Notes 12/12/2024
Cities address STRs: Huntsville, AL discusses enforcement; Magnolia, TX passes new rules; Shawangunk, NY regulates rentals; Pacifica, CA votes to restrict STRs; Eau Claire, WI updates zoning codes; Whittier, CA delays enforcement. 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. 📰
Huntsville, AL
The rapid increase in short-term rentals across Huntsville has prompted concern from residents and action from city leaders. Complaints about noisy guests and crowded streets have revealed that many STR owners are operating unlawfully, with roughly 40 lawsuits filed so far.
Huntsville’s laws require STRs to be in hotel-zoned areas, have a business license, and pay lodging taxes.
Check out Huntsville's Short-Term Rentals to know more.
Magnolia, TX
The Magnolia City Council unanimously passed a new ordinance regulating short-term rentals, requiring operators to obtain permits within 90 days. Each permit, valid for 12 months, costs $150, with on-site inspections ensuring properties meet safety and health standards, such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
A look into Magnolia's STR Ordinance. Check out the full ordinance here.
Violations may lead to fines or misdemeanors. The ordinance also enables the city to collect hotel occupancy taxes from STRs and mandates a public website listing permitted properties.
Buffalo, NY
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 12/11/2024...
The Buffalo Common Council has enacted a temporary 60-day moratorium on short-term rental permits to address rising community concerns about neighborhood impacts. The moratorium targets residential and single-family zoned areas, excluding the University and North Districts. Further legislative review will take place on Dec. 17.
```Shawangunk, NY
Shawangunk’s Town Board is taking steps to regulate short-term rentals, with plans to adopt a new law by early 2025. At the December 5 meeting, Supervisor Ken Ronk Jr. proposed a framework requiring rental owners to register with the town, complete building inspections, and display guest guidelines.
“The local law would require registrations and inspections. Having a registration would allow the building inspector to go out and do health and safety inspections, checking if the property has smoke detectors and if all bedrooms have egress,” Ronk said. Wallkill Valley Times
A key feature is the requirement for a designated contact within an hour of the property to address any issues promptly. While Ronk opposed mandating owner-occupied rentals, he stressed the importance of oversight to ensure safety and community harmony.
Pacifica, CA
After years of debate, Pacifica City Council voted to restrict short-term rentals significantly, banning non-hosted STRs in multi-family units and limiting their operation to 90 days per year. Hosted rentals remain unlimited but must be operated from primary residences.
Check out the full ordinance here.
Other measures include stricter parking requirements, minimum stay rules, and penalties for ordinance violations. With non-hosted STRs growing from 67 in 2017 to 173 in 2023, many residents voiced concerns about noise, housing affordability, and community impact. The revised rules await final approval and could face delays in the Coastal Zone pending state review.
```Eau Claire, WI
Last December 10, Eau Claire City Council approved a zoning code amendment and introduced a new short-term rental (STR) licensing program, removing initially proposed duration limits of seven-night minimum stays and 180-day annual caps. Future STR operators will need to apply online, submitting health department certification, parking details, guest room counts, and a building plan outlining rental spaces and amenities.
Whittier, CA
A proposed short-term rental ordinance in Whittier is on hold as the City Council seeks additional feedback from residents before finalizing regulations. During a recent meeting, STR owners highlighted the vital income their rentals generate, while opponents expressed concerns about safety, party events, and the character of residential neighborhoods.
Key provisions in the draft ordinance include mandatory business licenses, occupancy taxes, and a seven-day minimum stay. A study session will be scheduled to explore these points further.
```