🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Talbot County, MD
Talbot’s Balancing Act: Neighborhoods vs. Short-Term Rentals
A Deep Dive into Your Area’s STR Updates — Helping You Navigate the Ever-Changing Rental Landscape.
Talbot’s Balancing Act: Neighborhoods vs. Short-Term Rentals
In Talbot County, local leaders took another step toward reshaping short-term rental policies with a joint workshop last Tuesday, June 10. The County Council and Planning Commission discussed a number of proposed changes, including a controversial shift to a seven-night minimum stay, zoning-based licensing, and stricter reporting from STR owners.
The workshop did not result in any final votes, but it signaled that regulations may tighten soon—leaving hosts and rental businesses on edge.
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Michelle Hoyle, who owns Tidewater Vacation Rentals, said the proposed changes would hurt business, especially the move from three-night to seven-night minimums.
“That’s just not how most people travel anymore,” Hoyle said. “People have jobs, kids—they’re looking for a quick weekend trip, not a week-long stay.”
County officials also reviewed potential new rules requiring hosts to install landlines in rental units and keep logs of every guest stay—including visits by family or property owners themselves. Licensing changes based on zoning classifications were also part of the discussion.
Council Vice President Pete Lesher said the proposals stemmed from years of feedback.
“We’re seeing a range of opinions—some want more limits, others highlight the value STRs bring to our tourism sector,” he said. “We’ve reviewed enough applications to know what needs adjusting.”
While the community remains divided, the workshop showed that Talbot County is serious about exploring STR reform. Property owners and managers are now watching closely for follow-up actions and possible implementation timelines.
Proposed Changes to STR Regulations (Version 2)
Proposed STR Code Revisions Version 1
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