Daily Regulatory Notes 12/3/2024
Cities adjust STR policies: Carmel, IN, bans noncompliant rentals; Gulf Breeze, FL, imposes inspections and fines; Myrtle Beach, SC, eyes a zoning overlay to prevent STR-to-housing shifts; Murray City, UT, moves to legalize STRs, focusing on owner-occupied rentals and tight monitoring.
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“°
Carmel, IN
Watch the report from July 2024.
After settling a lawsuit with the City of Carmel, homeowner Serena Burkard and her company, Vacation Homes LLC, are barred from listing any properties within the city as short-term rentals. The lawsuit followed neighborhood complaints about disturbances, including pool parties and emergency medical incidents, at a property on Singletree Court. Carmel’s zoning laws require a special exception to operate short-term rentals for stays under 30 days, which Burkard had not obtained. The agreement enforces a $5,000 per day fine for any future violations, with additional costs payable to the city.
Gulf Breeze, FL
Gulf Breeze is introducing a short-term rental ordinance in February 2025 to address resident concerns while navigating state-imposed limits on local regulation. Owners must provide contact information and designate a 24/7 "responsible party" to address emergencies.
Read the ordinance here.
While state law prohibits banning or limiting short-term rentals, the ordinance focuses on public health and safety, setting occupancy limits, requiring inspections, and educating renters about community standards like noise and parking. Violations will incur escalating fines of $100 to $500, with a $40 annual registration fee offsetting administrative costs.
```Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach is considering a zoning overlay that would permanently ban converting short-term rentals into long-term housing in certain commercial areas near the ocean. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposal on Nov. 19, 2024, with city council potentially adopting it by January 2025.
Read the proposal here.
The temporary moratorium, enacted in April 2024, expires in January 2025 but has been extended to allow time for the overlay proposal’s potential approval by city council in early 2025.
Murray City, UT
Murray City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposed ordinance that would legalize and regulate short-term rentals for the first time, marking a significant shift in city policy.
```With an estimated 150 to 400 short-term rentals already operating in the city, the ordinance aims to create a legal framework focusing on owner-occupied rentals while barring dedicated vacation homes. Key provisions include parking requirements and strict enforcement to monitor the program’s early stages.
A look into Ordinance 24-26.