Weekly Regulatory Briefing (47)

Each week, we bring together the biggest updates in short-term rental regulations from coast to coast. Whether it’s fresh local regulations, emerging trends, or major discussions, our briefing provides all you need to stay in the know.

🏡 Top Stories This Week

• 🏙️ New York, NY: The New York City Council is considering a bill to allow short-term rentals in one- and two-family homes. This would mark a potential reversal of the city’s strict short-term rental laws enacted last year under Local Law 18, which eliminated over 10,000 Airbnb listings. Read the bill:

• ⚖️ Saugatuck, MI: Saugatuck’s recently enacted 20% cap on short-term rentals (STRs) in R-1 Residential zones has sparked heated debate and a lawsuit from the advocacy group Saugatuck Neighbors. Read about it here: HollandSentinel.com
• ⚡ Woodland Park, CO: The Teller County STR Alliance plans to refile its lawsuit in Colorado state court before Thanksgiving, aiming to challenge Woodland Park's Ordinance 1469 before its "no grandfathering" clause takes effect on Dec. 31.
• 🔫 St. Louis, MO: A 17-year-old was critically injured in a shooting at a short-term rental in Soulard, St. Louis, on Saturday night, raising alarms about safety, and highlighting delays in implementing Ordinance 71729.

Daily Regulatory Notes 11/21/2024

North Myrtle Beach, SC City Council Workshop Nov 20, 2024 - 12:14 This is a Planning Commission meeting. Is a vote scheduled? TBD. Summary: Documents: More details - Live video - Agenda - Agenda Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Nov 19, 2024 - 18:00 This

STRisker - Short-term regulatory news and changesGenelaine Urbano

• 🏡 Sister Bay, WI: The Village of Sister Bay faces a lawsuit from four property owners over its ordinance limiting short-term rental properties to four bedrooms.
• ⚖️ Fort Worth, TX: Two years after the city implemented new rules aiming to ban short-term rental operations in residential zones, a lawsuit following the ordinance heads to a pivotal court hearing on December 18.

Daily Regulatory Notes 11/20/2024

Pullman, WA Planning Commission Special Meeting Nov 20, 2024 - This is a Local Council meeting. Is a vote scheduled? TBD. Summary: Documents: More details - Live video Rockford, IL City Council Regular Meeting Nov 18, 2024 - 17:30 This is a Local Council meeting. Is a vote scheduled?

STRisker - Short-term regulatory news and changesDane Artisola

🌍 Regional Highlights

🌪️ North Carolina: Nearly two months after Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Short Term Rental Alliance has introduced a matchmaking service to provide temporary housing for displaced Western North Carolina residents. The program allows STR owners to register via an online platform to receive email notifications of tenants in need, who can specify housing requirements like size, budget, and pet-friendliness.

📜 New Ordinances Approved

• 📈 Mono County, CA: Measure K's approval will raise the Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) from 12% to 15%, effective December 13, 2024, applying to all hotel and short-term rental stays, including existing reservations starting on or after that date.
• 🏢 Jeffersonville, IN: Jeffersonville’s City Council has amended its ordinance to address concerns about the rising number of short-term rentals, particularly those owned by out-of-state investors.
• 🏡 Fort Payne, AL: Fort Payne has adopted Ordinance 2024-08, introducing regulations for short-term rentals in R1 residential zones. The ordinance requires property owners to obtain conditional use approval from the city’s zoning board, providing an opportunity for community input on rental proposals. The ordinance takes effect in June 2025. Read more about it at Waff.
• 🌳 Peachtree City, GA: Peachtree City has adopted a new short-term rental ordinance after years of deliberation, now requiring permits and inspections for operators, and prioritizes the safety and character of residential neighborhoods. It will be effective in January 1, 2025.

💬 Catch Up on Discussions

• 📜 Portland, ME: Scottsdale is pushing back against Arizona's new "Casita Law" (House Bill 2720), which mandates municipalities allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) like guest houses for short-term rentals.

Daily Regulatory Notes 11/18/24

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. 📰 New York, NY The New York City Council is considering a bill to allow short-term rentals in one- and two-family homes. This would

STRisker - Short-term regulatory news and changesDane Artisola

• 🏖️ Dana Point, CA: Voters in Dana Point have decided to maintain the city’s existing short-term rental program by defeating Measure T, with 64.1% opposing the proposal.
• 🏢 Highland Village, TX: During a November 12 work session, the City Council explored potential short-term rental (STR) regulations, reviewing options like requiring property registration and inspections and implementing a hotel occupancy tax.

• 🏙️ Lafayette, LA: On November 18, Lafayette City Council will potentially allow single-family homes and duplexes in the downtown district to operate as short-term rentals. To recall, a city-wide ban on short-term rentals in suburban neighborhoods took effect last October.
• 🏨 Plainview, TX: On November 12, the Plainview City Council advanced an ordinance to regulate short-term rentals, requiring owners to register their properties and pay a combined 13% state and city hotel occupancy tax.

• 🌲 Chelan County, WA: At a Nov. 13 hearing, Chelan County's Planning Commission received input on proposed revisions to the county's short-term rental (STR) code: including lifting STR caps, changing child occupancy rules, and removing affordable housing-related language.
• 🔨 Fort Payne, AL: The Fort Payne Planning Commission has sent a proposed short-term rental (STR) regulation plan to the City Council for approval. The plan requires current STRs in R-1 zones to secure conditional use approval by June 30, 2025, through inspections and proof of past compliance with lodging taxes. Read more about it at Times-Journal.
• 🏘️ Lexington, KY: Lexington's Planning Commission has advanced a set of updated short-term rental (STR) regulations to the City Council for final consideration. Lexington also launched a new online reporting tool and a 24/7 hotline (859-710-9048) to streamline reports and identify complaints more efficiently.
• 🚓 Springfield, MO: Springfield City Council voted on proposed revisions to its short-term rental (STR) ordinance at its November 18 meeting. It includes measures to streamline existing regulations and would make advertising an unregistered STR on platforms like Airbnb a city violation.

• 📢 Pullman, WA: Pullman residents weigh in on proposed short-term rental regulations during the Planning Commission's last meeting last Nov. 19. The new rules would require operators to obtain a $350 permit and meet strict requirements. The proposal is now passed to the City Council.
• 🏡 Warwick, NY: The Village of Warwick held a public hearing on November 18 to discuss its proposed short-term rental law. Suggestions included reduced fees for seniors, stricter guest and event limits, and transitional allowances for existing rentals that may not meet new requirements.
• 🚨 Rockford, IL: Rockford City Council is working on its first ordinance to regulate over 200 short-term rentals in response to years of complaints about noise, large gatherings, parking issues, and criminal activity. Read the report and draft ordinance here.
• 🏠 Astoria, OR: Astoria’s City Council postponed a vote on a proposed ordinance that would limit vacation rentals to 50 units and establish a licensing program with fees of $500 initially and $250 annually.
• 📈 Marblehead, MA: At a November 12 meeting, Marblehead's Planning Board discussed evaluating regulations for short-term rentals. Suggestions included creating a certification program for quality control, similar to neighboring Salem, and requiring health and safety inspections.

• 🏖️ North Myrtle Beach, SC: On November 20, North Myrtle Beach officials discussed developing stricter regulations for short-term rentals to address neighborhood disruptions and safety concerns. Proposals include annual permits costing $250, safety and parking inspections, occupancy limits, and more.

Daily Regulatory Notes 11/21/2024

North Myrtle Beach, SC City Council Workshop Nov 20, 2024 - 12:14 This is a Planning Commission meeting. Is a vote scheduled? TBD. Summary: Documents: More details - Live video - Agenda - Agenda Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Nov 19, 2024 - 18:00 This

STRisker - Short-term regulatory news and changesGenelaine Urbano

• 🏇 Saratoga Springs, NY: Residents of Saratoga Springs packed City Hall to weigh in on revised short-term rental regulations that aim to mandate a two-license cap per individual, annual fees ranging from $100 for primary residences to $1,000 for non-primary or commercial properties, and a $1 million insurance requirement.
• 🌊 Spring Lake, MI: The Village of Spring Lake, Michigan, has enacted a six-month moratorium on new short-term rental applications, set to expire on May 18, 2025.
• 🌴 Seabrook, SC: Seabrook Island's ongoing effort to finalize its short-term rental (STR) ordinance took another step forward during a special town council meeting, where two zones are being established: one near the beach with a cap of 540 STRs for condos, townhomes, and single-family homes, and another for single-family homes further inland with a cap of 105.

• 🤝 Placer County, CA: The Placer County Board of Supervisors’ meeting addressed significant updates to North Tahoe’s short-term rental (STR) program and proposed ordinance amendments, including revisiting the cap on units per property and deferring enforcement of minimum rental nights until the permit cap is met.

• 🏔️ Eagle County, CO: Eagle County is working to finalize short-term rental (STR) regulations that could take effect by the 2025-2026 ski season. Potential changes include a $300 annual registration fee to fund administration and requirements to meet health and safety standards.
• ⛷️ Saratoga Springs, NY: The Saratoga Springs City Council is considering recently proposed short-term rental regulations that include regulations such as a two-license cap per individual, annual fees ranging from $100 for primary residences to $1,000 for non-primary or commercial properties, and a $1 million insurance requirement.

Let’s Explore: Emerging Trends 🌱

Across the U.S., cities are finding new ways to tackle short-term rental (STR) challenges, balancing the needs of communities, tourists, and property owners. This shift reflects a broader trend of proactive measures that blend regulation with innovation to address housing shortages and neighborhood concerns.

What This Means:

✨ Innovative Community Partnerships: Programs like North Carolina’s post-hurricane housing initiative highlight creative uses of STR platforms for social good. By connecting displaced residents with available properties, STRs are proving their potential as solutions in housing emergencies.

📜 Localized Policy Strategies: Municipalities like Saugatuck, MI, are implementing residential caps, while Chelan County, WA, explores code revisions driven by local input. These hyper-focused approaches ensure policies reflect the distinct character and needs of individual communities.

🏛️ Legal Battles Reshaping Short-Term Rental Policies: In Saugatuck, MI, a 20% cap on STRs has sparked a lawsuit over property rights, while Woodland Park, CO, faces a legal challenge to its "no grandfathering" clause. Lawsuits are becoming a pivotal force in shaping short-term rental regulations.