Daily Regulatory Notes 12/23/2025
Cities address STRs. New Jersey introduces bill; New York City, NY discusses bill; Washington County, TN implements new lodging tax; Riverside, MO reviews ordinance; Washington County, PA; Oneida County, NY; Coconino County, AZ; Clinton County, PA; San Luis Obispo County, AZ. READ MORE.
New Jersey
New Jersey lawmakers have introduced a bill to clarify how revenue from the state’s hotel and motel occupancy tax is distributed, setting permanent minimum funding levels for arts, history, and tourism programs.
Starting in Fiscal Year 2027, the State Council on the Arts would receive $31.9 million, the Historical Commission $5.5 million, Travel and Tourism $17.6 million, and the Cultural Trust $720,000. The legislation also codifies a “poison pill” provision, suspending tax collection if allocations fall short.
New York City Council members are heading into their final meeting of the term facing a potential showdown over housing bills, including a proposal that could reopen the door to more short-term rentals.
David Brand
The bill would allow owners of one- and two-family homes to rent units for stays under 30 days without city approval, a move backed by Airbnb and some homeowners but opposed by hotel unions and tenant advocates. With outgoing and incoming leadership split on the issue, it’s unclear whether the measure will reach a vote before the term ends.
Washington County, Tennessee has implemented a new lodging tax on hotels and short-term rentals to fund tourism growth, with rates varying by location and totaling up to 8% in some areas.
The revenue will be reinvested in tourism marketing, events, and infrastructure improvements. County leaders say the move mirrors strategies used in states like Florida and Texas to strengthen visitor economies.
The Riverside Board of Aldermen reviewed a proposed ordinance that would introduce short-term rental regulations, including safety standards, a permit system, and hotel-style tourism tax requirements.
Officials said the goal is to create fair rules that allow STRs while leveling the playing field with hotels. The board did not vote but plans to revisit the ordinance in January ahead of increased demand tied to the World Cup.
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County leaders in Washington County are weighing changes to the hotel tax ordinance that would give commissioners more oversight of how tourism dollars are spent.
Chairman Nick Sherman said the goal is to fund major attractions, including a proposed sports and convention center, using hotel tax revenue that totals $2–3 million annually. If approved, the proposal would move forward to a public hearing before final adoption.
Short-term rental owners in Oneida County must register their properties by Jan. 1, 2026, to continue listing on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, following a new state law requiring county STR registries.
Registered platforms will collect a new 5% occupancy tax, in addition to the existing 8.75% sales tax, while hosts remain responsible if platforms do not remit.
The Coconino County Board unanimously adopted amendments increasing ADU allowances in line with HB2928, allowing up to three ADUs on larger lots.
To limit short-term rental conversions, the second detached ADU on acre-sized properties must be deed-restricted for affordable housing. The county also updated its STR ordinance to require owner occupancy for ADUs approved after Jan. 1, 2026, if used as short-term rentals.
The Clinton County Board of Commissioners reviewed a proposed ordinance update that would reaffirm the Clinton County Economic Partnership as the county’s official tourism promotion agency for hotel tax distribution.
Solicitor Justin Houser said recent confusion surfaced after an audit questioned past fund distribution, despite the partnership’s designation dating back decades. The update also adds flexibility to monthly tax payment deadlines and reiterates that funds must be used strictly for tourism marketing and promotion under state law.
San Luis Obispo County supervisors voted 3–2 to allow Blacklake Golf Resort to begin the application process for an expansion that would add 125 new homes in Nipomo, with more than half eligible for short-term rentals.
The proposal includes condos, cottages, and large “tournament” homes designed for visitor stays. Some supervisors raised concerns about affordable housing impacts, while supporters said those issues should be addressed later in the approval process.
✍️ Daily notes and the Bulletin will resume December 26. Wishing all our readers a fruitful holiday season! 🎁
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