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

• Douglas County, Colorado

• Del Mar, California

• Lexington, Kentucky

• Broadview Heights, Ohio

• Plano, Texas

• Bella Vista, Arkansas

You can watch the video versions of this week's regulation here on YouTube.

Or listen to the audio on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Douglas County 

Douglas County in Colorado has approved new regulations for short-term rentals. The rules require owners to obtain a permit costing $500 for the first year and $130 for annual renewals. You’ll also need to pay a $270 application review fee each year. The regulations also limit the number of guests to two per bedroom plus two additional guests per property. Violations of the rules can result in fines ranging from $150 to $1,000. The regulations aim to balance the interests of property owners who rent their homes and those of neighbors and communities. You can learn more about the regulations here.

Del Mar

The Del Mar City Council is reviewing short-term rental data as it prepares to implement local regulations. The city currently allows short-term rentals only if the unit was used as such prior to April 2016, with a moratorium on new rentals operating after that date until a permanent policy is approved. This comes on the heels of San Diego, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside recently implementing short-term rental regulations. There is no word on when Del Mar will take next steps.

Lexington

As mentioned two weeks ago in our roundup, Lexington was in the midst of voting on new short-term rental regulations. As of this week, Lexington has finally approved those new regulations for short-term rentals. Owners must pay an annual $200 license fee for one property, with additional fees for multiple properties. There is also a 12-guest limit on properties in residential areas. The ordinance goes into effect immediately. You can review the meeting notes here.

Broadview Heights

The Broadview Heights City Council in Ohio is considering banning short-term rentals after implementing regulations in July 2021. This potential ban comes after an issue was raised when a resident was found to be renting out their home short-term while not living there, violating city code. The council has temporarily banned new short-term rentals until January 2024 while they continue discussions.

Plano, Texas

The Plano City Council in Texas has delayed voting on new short-term rental regulations until mid-August. The issue hinges on proponents of the change in regulation details, such as the permit registration process and the removal of required parking and occupancy limits. The city is set to revisit the vote again in August but, in the interim, has banned any new hosts from registering a short-term rental for the next year.

Bella Vista, Arkansas

The city of Bella Vista has voted to ease recently passed short-term regulations after being sued by a group of hosts. The new ordinance which was approved in December 2022, included occupancy limits (a limit of three or fewer people in each bedroom) and permit requirements. The group of hosts filed a lawsuit and restraining order against the ordinance, arguing that it violates the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. This successful legal challenge is one that I’m sure many cities will be reviewing as local governments grapple with passing STR regulations and ordinances.