Daily Regulatory Notes 12/18/2025
Cities address STRs. New Franklin, OH delays ordinance; Fayetteville, AR approves ordinance; Nantucket, MA faces legal challenge; Pullman, WA delays regulations; Kansas City, MO; Snowmass, CO approves regulations; Columbia, SC; Hilton Head, SC; Saratoga, CA; Riverside, MO. READ MORE.
New Franklin City Council delayed action on a proposed short-term rental ordinance after members raised concerns over a $1,000 permit fee and the lack of spacing requirements between rentals.
Several residents supported regulation but argued the fee is punitive, especially for owner-occupied rentals with no history of complaints. Others said the ordinance could gain support if the fee were lowered and a distance requirement added to prevent neighborhood saturation.
The City Council approved a new short-term rental ordinance and emergency clause in a 6–2 vote, preventing a regulatory lapse when the existing law’s sunset clause expires Dec. 30.
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Without the emergency clause, officials warned there would be a brief period with no STR ordinance, potentially rendering all existing rentals illegal and exposing the city to litigation.
Nantucket’s recent vote to legalize short-term rentals is facing a legal challenge from an attorney claiming the measure violates a two-year state restriction on reintroducing defeated zoning bylaws.
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Article 1 passed in November with strong voter support, allowing STRs in nearly all residential zones. Critics argue it circumvents protections meant to prevent repeated attempts from overwhelming voters. Supporters insist the amendment is sufficiently different from prior failed proposals.
The Pullman City Council voted to delay its review of short-term rental regulations until January to allow input from incoming council members.
The review follows community concerns after enforcement letters were sent to roughly 60 Airbnb and Vrbo hosts over compliance issues tied to rules adopted in June. City staff were directed in October to reexamine 10 sections of the code and must report back by March.
Kansas City has begun accepting short-term rental applications ahead of the 2026 World Cup, cutting the annual fee from $200 to $50 for hosts renting between May and July.
Despite expectations of 650,000 visitors and up to $700 million in economic impact, data shows STR listings are projected to decline during the tournament window, while median nightly prices rise about 18%.
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Snowmass Town Council approved new short-term rental regulations that take effect Dec. 30, including an increase in the annual STR permit fee from $300 to $400.
The ordinance also establishes a standardized April 30 expiration date for all STR permits, with prorated renewal fees during the early months of 2026. Council additionally classified trespassing by STR guests on private property as a major code violation, with penalties including permit suspension and fines.
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The Columbia City Council took an initial step toward lifting its short-term rental moratorium by approving a first reading of zoning changes tied to where STRs can operate.
The amendment would restrict Airbnb-style rentals primarily to commercial, mixed-use, and select residential corridors based on street classification and traffic capacity. Two additional readings are required before the ordinance can take effect, and the moratorium remains active for now.
Hilton Head officials are moving forward with proposed zoning amendments for the Holiday Homes neighborhood following resident concerns about large homes becoming short-term rentals.
The draft overlay would restrict building height, size, and parking, adding protections beyond existing town rules. While existing homes would not be forced to downsize, future redevelopment could be limited under the new standards.
Saratoga’s Planning Commission has recommended a citywide ban on short-term rentals following overwhelming public opposition at its Dec. 10 meeting.
Residents raised concerns about noise, parking congestion, trash, and neighborhood character, while some argued the city should raise taxes instead of allowing STRs. Although staff highlighted possible revenue gains from tourism-related taxes amid a looming budget deficit, commissioners voted 6-1 against permitting rentals, also calling for stronger enforcement and penalties for illegal listings.
The Riverside Board of Aldermen reviewed a proposed short-term rental ordinance that would introduce safety standards, a permitting process, and tourism tax requirements ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The city currently has no STR regulations, but officials see potential demand given Riverside’s location near World Cup venues. The ordinance would require all STRs to obtain permits, follow registration rules, and remit taxes similar to hotels and motels. Aldermen did not vote on the proposal and plan to revisit it at their January meeting.
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