Weekly Regulatory Context - Week 39

William McClure

— 5 min read

Your guide to staying ahead of the latest short-term and vacation rental regulation changes. We process dozens of articles, hundreds of meetings, and thousands of documents each week, so you don't have to.

🚨 Top Stories This Week 🚨

  1. ⚖️ New Orleans Hits Pause on Short-Term Rental application Exceptions –
    In what feels like déjà vu, the New Orleans City Council has approved a one-year moratorium on granting exceptions during the short-term rental application process, giving staff a chance to untangle the mess created by conflicting recommendations from different offices.

    ➡️Watch out: If you’re operating properties or looking to expand into New Orleans, use extra caution as the proposed changes leave a lot of uncertainty for the future of new licenses.
  2. 🏡 New York’s Local Law 18 Under Fire from Homeowners
    Standing on the steps of City Hall, members of the Restore Homeowner Autonomy & Rights (RHOAR) declared the law a tax on small operators that’s putting generational wealth at risk.

    City officials are being called out for ignoring the unintended consequences on lower-income families.

    ➡️ What’s Next?: This backlash could force the City Council to revisit key elements of Local Law 18. We'll continue to keep an eye out for possible amendments or new legal challenges in the months ahead.
  3. 🚫 Florida STR Preemption Bill Shelved for Now

    In a surprising twist, State Senator Nick DiCeglie has stated he is planning not reintroduce a contentious state-level STR preemption bill.

    ➡️ Insight: While the move doesn't prevent any other member from filing the same (or a similar) bill next session, it is a significant new chapter for Senator DiCeglie to no longer be leading the charge.

📃News: We track dozens of news articles impacting short-term and vacation rental regulations each week. Check out strisker.com/news to see the latest reporting, news articles, and opinion pieces impacting regulations, zoning, and occupancy taxes across the world.

🌎 Regional Hot Takes

  • 🔥 Hanover County, VA: Investors Beware!
    Hanover County’s Planning Commission is drafting a two-tier regulatory system that allows primary homeowners to rent by right, but subjects investor-owned STRs to more extensive standards.

    The next Planning Commission discussion is slated for November 21st.
  • 💧 Yachats, OR: Water Rates Making a Splash
    Yachats has passed a new ordinance that will begin "charging 125 licensed vacation rentals 25 percent more than residential users" for sewer and water service. The changes are expected to increase revenue by $42,400 a year.

    ➡️ Bottom Line: Expect to see more towns and cities across the U.S. adopting similar measures to treat short-term and vacation rentals as commercial properties for trash, sewer, and water service.
  • 🌺 Hawaii’s Supreme Court: Agricultural Zoning is Off-Limits
    The Hawaii Supreme Court has reaffirmed the Land Use Commission's decision that Maui's ordinances preventing short-term rentals from operating on agricultural land is legal.

    This decision has major implications for rural STR operators across the state who have been skirting zoning rules.

    ➡️ Key Takeaway: If you’re in Hawaii, make sure you know your zoning. Enforcement could ramp up fast!

📈 Proposals to Watch

Santa Cruz County, CA Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the creation of a temporary ad-hoc committee to make policy adjustments to Hosted and Vacation Rental Ordinances for consideration on or before the first Board meeting in March 2025. The Board approved this action during it’s September 24, 2024 meeting (discussion begins at 1:56:30).

During a September 24th meeting Denton, TX city council discussed a draft short-term rental ordinance before deciding to delay a vote on it until late October. 

West Stockbridge, MA is considering adjusting its zoning regulations to include permitting short-term rentals to operate legally in the town. The current proposal would

In Palm Coast, FL, residents have formed the Canal Community Coalition to push back against what they call the “nightmare” of vacation rentals in their neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, Newport, RI council members clashed over housing affordability versus property rights when considering short-term rental regulations.

Sister Bay, WI - A lawsuit has been filed by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty over Sister Bay’s 4 bedroom limit for short-term rentals.

Fresno, CA - The Fresno City Council approved an Voluntary Collection Agreement with VRBO for the collection of Transient Occupancy Tax. There was a short discussion starting around 2:29:22 in the recording of the council meeting.

Georgetown, TX - Georgetown, TX council completed and approved on 2nd reading an ordinance to regulate short-term rentals at its September 24 meeting. Starting November 1, properties listed on platforms like VRBO or Airbnb will need to register with the city, pay a registration fee, and hotel occupancy tax. 

📅 Next Week’s Watchlist - September 30 to October 5th

Monday - September 30

  • Akron, OH - 6:30 PM: Council will consider a conditional use permit to operate a bed & breakfast at 814 Bloomfield Ave and add an addition. This appears to be for
    Berrodin Bed & Breakfast which has a 4.8 rating thru Google from 375+ reviews.
  • Excelsior Springs, MO - 6:00 PM: The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider a "Special Use Permit for the operation of a Short-Term Rental in an R-3 Cluster, Townhouse or Garden Apartment District" at it's September 30 6 PM meeting.

Tuesday - October 1st

  • Steamboat Springs, CO: During its budget retreat, city council will receive a 15 minute report on Special Revenue Funds including Community Housing Fund, Fire/EMS Tax Fund, and Short Term Rental Tax.
  • Sierra County, CA - 9:00 AM: The Board of Supervisors will decide when to schedule a public hearing for proposed amendments to Sierra County's Short Term Rental ordinance, as recommended by the Planning Commission at their September 12, 2024 public hearing.
  • Clallam County, WA - 10:00 AM: County Commissioners will review a recommendation from the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to provide the Pennisula Trails Coalition with $5,700 from the county's Hotel / Motel Tax Fund.
  • Ouray County, CO - 1:30 PM: A Second Reading of Ordinance 2024-001 to regulate short-term rentals.
  • Logan, UT: Council set to revisit ADU regulations on October 1st.
  • Routt County, CO - 9:30 AM: County Commissioners will consider a renewal of a Hotel & Liquor License.
  • Hot Springs, AR - 6:00 PM: During the "Old Business" portion of their regular meeting the Board of Directors will consider Resolution R-24-163 granting a sh0rt-term rental license to 288 Lake Hamilton Drive.

Wednesday - October 2nd

ATAX Packet - October 2, 2024 agenda
ATAX Packet - October 2, 2024 agenda.pdf
4 MB
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Thursday - October 3rd

📃Tip: Use local market research tools, and keep a close eye on council agendas to get ahead of upcoming changes. Need help staying ahead? Check out strisker.com/calendar to see the latest local government meetings happening in your area.

Have a tip or news to share? Let us know!

Will McClure
Founder @ STRisker
will@strisker.com

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