Daily Regulatory Notes 12/5/2024
Communities tackle short-term rental challenges with new measures. Thomaston, ME and Pinehurst, NC, discusses STR enforcement; Paonia, CO, approves revised STR ordinance; Ventura. CA, caps STR permits, Owensboro, KY introduces revisions to transient tax 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. đź“°
Thomaston, ME
Thomaston has yet to enforce the Short-Term Rentals ordinance approved by voters last June 2023, as the associated fees remain undefined.
A look into the Ordinance.
At the Nov. 18 Select Board meeting, Code Enforcement Officer Courtney Farnum urged the board to move forward with enforcement and outlined plans to notify known short-term rental owners via certified mail.
```The ordinance caps rentals at 20 and requires owners to obtain annual permits, with inspections every three years to ensure compliance with fire and safety codes. To finalize the fee structure, a public workshop is scheduled for Dec. 12 at 5 p.m., where the town will also discuss updates to other building and land use fees.
```Pinehurst, NC
Pinehurst will increase enforcement of its short-term rental ordinance after two years of limited action due to legal risks. With new STR identification software in place, Village Manager Doug Willardson and staff will intensify efforts, including issuing cease-and-desist letters to violators.
Read the full ordinance here.
Mayor Patrick Pizzella defended the decision, stating that effective enforcement is crucial to maintain the ordinance’s integrity and discourage noncompliance.
There is a perception that it’s not being enforced as well as it could be. I don’t think we should hesitate to enforce an ordinance as adopted by council because if we’re not enforcing something, there’s absolutely no deterrent for people to cooperate with the ordinances adopted by their representatives.” Mayor Patrick Pizzella said. The Pilot
Paonia, CO
Paonia trustees approved a revised short-term rental ordinance on November 26, capping licenses at 30, adding flexibility for required “local contacts,” and extending special-use hearings to properties in R2 and R3 zones. License fees range from $150 to $500 depending on property type.
The ordinance includes measures to address housing availability concerns highlighted in the town’s housing needs assessment. Applications open in January, with licenses finalized by April 1, 2025, and rentals permitted starting May 1.
```Ventura, CA
Ventura has approved a new ordinance capping short-term vacation rental permits by area to address housing shortages and preserve neighborhood character. The council’s 6-1 vote established limits, including 100 permits each for downtown and Pierpont, 35 for Ventura Harbor and Keys, 40 near Ventura Avenue, and 75 for midtown and eastside areas.
Check out the full report and the ordinance (pg 22-40) here.
Existing permit holders can renew multiple permits for five years but must reduce to one or two permits thereafter, depending on the area. Homestays, where owners reside onsite, remain unlimited, and the minimum stay for guests has been reduced from seven to two nights. The ordinance takes effect in January 2025 but hinges on certification from the California Coastal Commission, a process that could take up to a year.
```Owensboro, KY
The City of Owensboro has introduced revisions to its transient room tax ordinance, targeting short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, which has yet to remit any taxes despite repeated requests.
The updated rules require annual registration for hosts, monthly rental activity reports, and broaden the definition of taxable income to include fees like cleaning and pet charges. Hosts will be liable for uncollected taxes if platforms fail to comply, with fines of up to $500 for noncompliance after March 1, 2025. The updates, set for a December 17 vote, are expected to bring in much-needed revenue for Owensboro’s tourism initiatives.
```Saratoga Springs, NY
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 12/4/2024...
The vote on short-term rental regulations in Saratoga Springs has been postponed to December 17th to align with potential changes to statewide rules awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul's approval.
```The current draft, revised by Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran, would cap rentals at 150 days annually, require emergency contacts within 50 miles, and limit residents to two licenses. It includes a 24/7 hotline for complaints and fines up to $2,500, with potential license revocation for repeat violations.