Daily Regulatory Notes 04/08/2025
Cities address STRs. Idaho rejects bill; New Braunfels, TX handles lawsuit; The Colony, TX & Washington, UT strengthen enforcement; St. Louis, MO implements regulations; Highland Heights, OH strengthens penalties; Ruidoso, NM enacts 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. 📰
Idaho
Idaho lawmakers rejected a bill this week that aimed to significantly limit what local governments can require of short-term rental owners, including stripping rules around inspections, fire safety upgrades, occupancy data reporting, and even mandatory property management.
Although the bill SB1162 was softened through amendments to preserve some local zoning authority, it still would have preempted many existing municipal regulations across the state, declaring owner-occupancy mandates and added parking or licensing requirements off-limits. The final vote in the Senate—11 to 23—killed the bill, echoing the fate of similar legislation earlier this session.
The legal battle over New Braunfels’ short-term rental ban in residential areas is progressing as attorneys representing property owners have filed an appeal after the district court ruled in favor of the city.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation argues that the city’s ordinance is unconstitutional, particularly for those owning properties near popular attractions like Schlitterbahn. New Braunfels City Attorney Ryan Greene defended the city's regulations, stating that the city’s rules satisfy constitutional requirements and that zoning regulations still allow STRs in other districts.
The Colony City Council is continuing its efforts to regulate short-term rentals (STRs) within the city.
Read the full ordinance here.
Mayor Richard Boyer outlined plans to implement a system similar to Carrollton’s, which requires new STRs to apply for a specific use permit (SUP). Existing STRs in good standing won’t be affected by the new rule, but newcomers would need to specify whether they are operating an owner-occupied bed-and-breakfast or a non-owner-occupied rental.
St. Louis has implemented new regulations for short-term rentals, requiring property owners to apply for a permit by May 6.
Ordinance 71729 mandates that short-term rentals pass inspection and meet certain standards, such as a minimum two-night stay and emergency contact details. Property owners will need to pay a $150 fee, submit tax information, and comply with ongoing monitoring through the Host Compliance system.
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Highland Heights City Council has strengthened its penalties for violating the city’s six-month moratorium on short-term rentals which began in January.
Following complaints from residents about loud parties at a home on Kenbridge Drive, the council voted unanimously on March 19 to implement a three-tiered penalty system. Offenders will face a third-degree misdemeanor for the first violation, a first-degree misdemeanor for the second offense, and permanent revocation of their rental permit after the third offense.
Washington City officials have strengthened their short-term rental regulations with a new ordinance aimed at improving safety and ensuring compliance.
The changes introduce stricter penalties for noncompliant properties. Under the new rules, property managers with more than three violations in a year may lose their business license, and they will face fines of up to $750 per day if they fail to address issues within 30 days. The ordinance also requires a local point of contact for rentals in Washington County, further tightening oversight.
Ruidoso, New Mexico has enacted Ordinance 2025-01 to regulate short-term residential rentals, ensuring these properties align with updated building codes and community safety standards.
READ: Ordinance 2025-01
Key changes include a $565 annual permit fee and biennial inspections for safety compliance, which include fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and clear exit routes. Properties must limit occupancy to two adults per sleeping unit and meet parking requirements. Non-compliant rentals could face fines, permit suspensions, or even revocations. A notification process now requires owners to alert neighbors within 200 feet of their rental application, with a $25 notification fee.
In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
READ: 04/07/2025 Daily Regulatory Notes
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Dane Artisola