This week's update covers new laws, permit requirements, and regulation news for hosts in:

• Boise, Idaho

• Athens, Georgia

• Florida

• Columbia, Missouri

• Virginia

• San Marcos, Texas

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Boise

In a bold legislative move, Rep. Jordan Redman of Northern Idaho, proposed a bill to curtail local oversight on short-term rentals, aligning them with long-term rental regulations, barring health and safety exceptions. The bill would prevent cities from requiring short-term rental owners to live in the rentals for “any amount of time,” get additional insurance or professional property management. Additionally, the bill looks to stop cities from capping the number of short-term rentals allowed in a city as well as the number of days they can be rented out. It remains to be seen if this bill gains the necessary support. However, if passed, this legislation could help to reshape the short-term rental landscape in other cities and states.

Athens

Athens, Georgia, faces a contentious battle over short-term rental regulations, as the ACC Commission's new rules provoke legal threats and public debate. The regulations, aimed at curbing the spread of non-owner-occupied short-term rentals in single-family neighborhoods, impose a two-year phase-out for existing non-compliant rentals. Critics, including local homeowners and legal experts, argue the rules may infringe on property rights and lack legal standing, while supporters seek to protect community integrity against the disruptive effects of short-term rentals. Amidst fears of litigation, the commission's decision reflects a broader struggle to balance residential stability with the economic opportunities presented by short-term rentals, signaling a potentially protracted legal and political conflict ahead. As of now, no official lawsuit has been filed, but, a lawyer representing several STR owners vowed to file if the regulations weren’t rescinded.

Florida

Florida's Senate advances a contentious bill aiming to regulate short-term rentals, stirring local government concerns over its efficacy in managing short-term rental disputes. SB 280 stipulates occupancy limits and introduces a 15-day resolution period for property issues, yet critics argue the timeline is too lenient for transient tenants. The bill permits local fees for rental registration, facing fines for non-compliance, and outlines strict violation penalties. Despite efforts to balance property rights with community tranquility, opposition highlights the potential for legal challenges and calls for more localized control over vacation rental regulations. This legislative attempt reflects Florida's ongoing struggle to harmonize the booming short-term rental market with residential community values.

Columbia

Columbia City Council enacts new regulations for Airbnb and Vrbo operators, aiming to balance the burgeoning short-term rental market with community housing needs. The updated Unified Development Code, effective from June 1, mandates specific operational standards and introduces changes to business licensing and taxation related to short-term rentals. Operators are granted a one-year grace period to align with the new code. Amid mixed public reactions, the council strives for a "delicate balance" between commercial operation and residential use, adjusting the occupancy limit to 210 days for certain rentals. Mayor Barbara Buffaloe emphasizes the complexity of the regulations, advocating for ongoing evaluation to refine the approach. This regulatory overhaul marks Columbia's continued efforts to manage short-term rentals amidst growing concerns over housing affordability and community integrity.

Virginia

Virginia's legislative arena is heating up with debates over short-term rental regulations, spotlighting the tension between state control and local autonomy. Proposed bills seek to streamline Airbnb and Vrbo operations, limiting local government's regulatory reach, particularly concerning permits for primary residences. Despite intentions to foster a uniform framework and enhance housing affordability, critics argue these measures might inflate rental prices and erode neighborhood character for profit. The discourse extends to creating a state registry for rentals and advocating for accessory dwelling units as affordable housing solutions, challenging local ordinances. Amidst this regulatory tug-of-war, Virginia's approach to short-term rentals underscores the complex interplay between innovation, community preservation, and the quest for statewide policy coherence.

San Marcos

San Marcos is set to revamp its short-term rental ordinance, a move spurred by recent court rulings, notably from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The city will soon permit non-owner-occupied properties to be listed on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, lifting previous restrictions that confined rentals to primary residences and banned the use of these properties for parties. This adjustment aims to open the market, requiring all rentals to register and provide detailed information for safety and regulatory compliance. The decision reflects a broader trend of municipalities navigating the complex interplay between local regulations, property rights, and the burgeoning digital economy, marking a significant shift in San Marcos's approach to accommodating the growing demand for short-term accommodations while balancing community concerns.