Daily Regulatory Notes 12/27/2024
Cities address STRs: New York passes new law; Cadillac, MI approves first downtown STR; Madison, NH grants STR permit; Spring Lake Township, MI amends zoning ordinance. 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. 📰
‼️ New York
New York State has established the nation’s first county-level registry for short-term rentals to address housing and tax accountability issues. Signed into law in December 23, the measure requires booking platforms to report rental data quarterly to the state and any counties with local registries.
Senator Michelle Hinchey emphasizes the law’s dual purpose: mitigating housing shortages caused by vacation rentals and ensuring communities collect owed revenues from sales and occupancy taxes. The registry, effective April 21, 2025, aims to give local governments tools to manage housing supply and expand affordable housing strategies.
Cadillac, MI
Cadillac's Planning Commission made history by approving its first downtown short-term rental at 108 South Mitchell St. The special use permit, awarded to Daniel and Morgan Babcock, includes annual reviews and neighbor-friendly stipulations.
While commissioners praised the couple's detailed plan, they emphasized careful oversight, given this is the city’s first application under its 2023 short-term rental policy. Another request for a short-term rental at 128 East Pine St. awaits rezoning approval after prior rejection by the City Council.
Madison, NH
A recent court decision in New Hampshire’s land use court has granted two couples the right to continue operating their short-term rental in Madison’s Eidelweiss Residential District, citing that the 2015 zoning ordinance allows such use.
Judge Michael Klass ruled that the property's use aligns with residential purposes as outlined in the ordinance, dismissing the ZBA's earlier determination that STRs constitute commercial activity. The case underscores broader debates over Madison's 2022 ban on new STRs and its legal complexity. Advocates for STRs have praised the decision, highlighting its implications for property rights and the preservation of grandfathered STR operations.
Spring Lake Township, MI
Spring Lake Township in Michigan has tightened short-term rental regulations, restricting new rentals to the R-3 zoning district, which includes the Strawberry Pointe cottage community.
You can also read it here.
Existing short-term rentals remain largely unaffected, with one impacted property grandfathered in. Officials estimate up to 125 illegal rentals may be operating in the township, prompting a push for stricter oversight. Short-term stays under 14 days and long-term rentals are still allowed township-wide.