Daily Regulatory Notes 9/18/2024

The streak of short-term rental zoning by law amendments being denied by voters at town meetings in Nantucket, Massachusetts continued Tuesday night. The two most prominent proposals (Article 1 & 2) were both voted down by residents. Voters overwhelmingly supported Article 5, which limits corporate ownership of rental properties passed. Partnerships and real estate investment trusts have not been added as prohibited entities.Birmingham, Alabama hosted another public hearing about short-term rentals on the evening of September 17. The ordinance is expected to be brought before a meeting of the Committee of the Whole Wednesday September 18 at 3:30pm.

“Some of the zone districts will be special exceptions, and the zoning board will be able to make certain adjustments. But if you do not like the decision they make, you have to hire a lawyer and come to court,” says District 3 Councilor Valerie Abbott. “The property owner will have to be the one to ask for the permit and licensing. People can no longer rent and turn it into a short-term rental, which has been happening a fair amount.” - Birmingham leaders continue to work to determine future of short-term rentals

Monday night the Pooler, GA City Council voted unanimously to extend a moratorium (Resolution R2024-09.A) on short-term rental licenses for an additional 180 days. This extension takes the initial moratorium that passed in March 2024 until mid-March 2025. The city intends to pass an ordinance and enter into contract with a software company to monitor rentals during this extension.

"We wanted to make sure we made the right decision, so we needed more time, so it doesn't feel like we're targeting specific individuals," said Councilmember Michael Carpenter. "We want to make sure that we're doing our research, looking at other cities as we enhance and make the right decision on behalf of the community." - Pooler extends short-term rental moratorium for 180 days

Colfax, CA city council approved Ordinance No. 557 during their September 11 meeting. The ordinance includes provision on inspections, permits, fees, renewal process, and requirements the rental must uphold.

Milwaukee property managers are concerned that comments about owner-occupancy rule during a July 23 Zoning, Neighborhoods, and Development Committee meeting may put them out of business.

A reminder from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission that House Bill 973 will require property managers to implement procedures for reporting suspected human traffic. This will include 

Employees and third-party contractors must complete the training within 60 days of starting their service and then every two years. For rentals already listed before July 1, 2025, all property managers, employees, and contracted individuals must complete their training by June 30, 2027, and renew every two years thereafter.