Daily Regulatory Notes 12/4/2024
Communities tackle short-term rental challenges with new measures. Escondido, CA, proposes a school buffer; The Dalles, OR, strengthens occupancy limits; Eau Claire, WI, debates stay minimums; and Waukegan, IL, revises fines and fees while retaining distance requirements for balance.
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“°
Escondido, CA
The Escondido City Council will vote on a proposed ordinance that would ban short-term rentals (STRs) within 500 feet of schools, aiming to address growing concerns about disruptions in residential neighborhoods.
Check out the proposed STR ordinance from pgs. 360-368.
Residents like Steve Deambrogio and Carolyn Rangel describe increased noise, large parties, and safety concerns from STR guests, citing incidents such as TikTok gatherings and late-night disturbances. Meanwhile, property owners, including Sky Management’s Mo Rashid, argue the measure is discriminatory, pointing out that hotels and motels are allowed within 300 feet of schools. A final decision is expected Wednesday evening.
The Dalles, OR
The Dalles City Council has approved updates to its transient lodging tax (TLT) and short-term rental (STR) ordinances during its Nov. 25 meeting. The TLT ordinance retains the 8% tax rate but modernizes administration, increases late payment interest to 3%, and raises the tourism fund allocation to 55%.
Preview of the proposed TLT ordinance. Check out the full report from pgs. 74-89.
For STRs, updates include a 300-foot buffer zone for new licenses, a $90 licensing fee, a new complaint portal for STR-related issues, and stricter guest occupancy limits. The council chose to grandfather existing STR licenses, avoiding a controversial lottery system to reduce licenses.
Preview of the proposed STR ordinance. Check out the full report from pgs. 179-205.
Eau Claire County, WI
Eau Claire is working to establish ordinances for short-term rentals (STRs) sparking debate over their potential impact on tourism and housing. Proposed regulations include a seven-night minimum stay and a 180-day annual cap, prompting concerns from the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Eau Claire about economic consequences.
“From our perspective, it will essentially eliminate a huge portion of short term rental ownership. Over 90 percent of short term rental bookings are fewer than seven nights..." Executive Director of Visit Eau Claire Kenzi Hadlicek said. Leader-Telegram
The issue moves to the City Council next week following a Plan Commission discussion.
Waukegan, IL
Waukegan’s proposed short-term rental regulations are moving closer to a final vote following adjustments by the City Council’s Community Development Committee. Responding to public feedback, the mayor’s office proposed easing fines, fees, and operational rules, but debate continues over the 500-foot separation requirement between STRs.
"If we don't have neighbors, we don't have those connections anymore. We need to keep some kind of control over it so we don't have streets full of them. We didn't know this situation existed a year ago. Keeping some sort of distance requirement is a very good idea." Ald. Lynn Florian, 8th Ward said. Chicago Tribune.
Additional changes include lowering fines from $5,000 to $750, dropping license renewal fees from $300 to $100, and modifying the minimum stay to two nights. The committee and full City Council are set to revisit the ordinance on Jan. 6 for final consideration.
```Monterey, CA
The Monterey County Vacation Rental Alliance has filed a lawsuit against Monterey County and its Board of Supervisors, challenging recently adopted short-term rental restrictions. The Alliance argues these regulations unfairly target second-home owners, limit housing options, and lack a basis in solid data.
Check out the full ordinance here.
Approved in August by a 3-2 vote, the policy imposes stringent rules, including near-bans on short-term rentals in residential areas of Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and Carmel Highlands. Licensing fees for short-term rentals now range from $965 annually to $5,500 every seven years for commercial rentals.
Alpharetta, GA
Alpharetta's City Council is working toward regulating short-term rentals with a proposed ordinance that would impose limits on their number and location within neighborhoods.
During the Dec. 2 meeting, council members approved the first reading of the ordinance, which includes a 5% cap on rentals in subdivisions, licensing requirements, and prohibitions in areas governed by HOA bans. Grandfathering existing rentals, particularly for those who have paid taxes, remains a contentious issue with city officials acknowledging the complexity of such exemptions.
```Myrtle Beach, SC
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 12/3/2024...
The Myrtle Beach City Council may permanently ban the conversion of hotel rooms to long-term rentals east of Kings Highway. Enacted as a temporary measure in April, the ban prevents property owners from obtaining business licenses to rent units for more than 90 days.
A look into Ordinance 2024-069.
The Planning Commission recommends stricter rules, including prohibiting multi-unit short-term rental buildings from switching to long-term use, though single-family homes, duplexes, and properties with current licenses would be exempt.
```Ocean City, MD
The Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on Tuesday to review potential updates to short-term rental regulations in the R-1 and MH zones.
With almost 9,000 short-term rentals in the area, officials are looking to introduce rules that include limiting the number of occupants and enforcing a 5 to 7-day minimum stay. The commission is expected to vote on a recommendation to the City Council after considering public feedback at the meeting.
```Saratoga Springs, NY
Genelaine Urbano
Previous report on Daily Notes 11/21/2024...
Saratoga Springs has once again delayed a decision on its proposed short-term rental regulations. The city council is waiting for the New York State to finalize its legislation, which is expected to include a registry for short-term rentals and the collection of sales and occupancy tax. The city council will revisit the issue in two weeks after the state law is signed.
Read the proposed STR Regulation here.
Wilmington, DE
Wilmington City Council has postponed a vote on short-term rental regulations that would have removed the requirement for owners to live in their rental properties and allowed LLCs to manage up to six units. The proposal, which included a 2% lodging tax and a $75 permitting fee, sparked concerns about the potential for excessive short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods.
Check out the full ordinance here.