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

• Geneva, New York

• Provincetown, Massachusetts

• Columbia, Missouri

• St. Louis, Missouri

• Nantucket, Massachusetts

• Sarasota, Florida

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.

Geneva

Facing resident complaints, the Geneva City Council aims to pass new short-term rental regulations quickly. New rules would require hosts to obtain permits, pay occupancy taxes, and enable the city to enforce penalties against problematic properties. All short-term rentals, including existing ones, will be required to comply. Despite worries about enforcement, the city manager and attorney say regulations can be enacted in two Council votes as an ordinance change. The Council hopes fast-tracking rules will address overcrowding, noise, parking issues, and loss of affordable housing caused by short-term rentals operating freely.

Provincetown

Provincetown held a housing workshop where leaders agreed to move toward short-term rental regulations. A smaller working group was proposed to hash out the details. The workshop discussed eliminating single-family zoning and limiting short-term rental certificates. Some disagreed on capping total short-term rentals. The meeting ended with plans to create a housing advisory group to continue discussions.

Columbia

The Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission recently met to discuss adding regulations for short-term rentals. Some commissioners want to limit rentals to 30 days a year, but owners say that's unfair to those already in business. A survey showed most residents don't support limits on location or rental days. The commission previously proposed regulations in 2020 and 2021, but both were struck down. Officials have said short-term rental regulations are necessary for STR properties as they reduce the affordable housing stock. We’ll continue to keep an eye on this.

St. Louis

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen is revisiting legislation to regulate short-term rentals after increased crime and violence tied to the properties. The bills, introduced in May, would require permits, business licenses, and 24/7 contact for issues. They aim to curb "party houses" that have led to shootings, though some hosts feel they overreach. St. Louis hosts and officials agree oversight is needed but disagree on the approach. The proposals have sparked heated debate. Aldermen delayed votes until September to allow more discussion.

Nantucket

The Nantucket Select Board remained divided on proposed regulations for short-term rentals. The board is split on whether the proposed regulations to codify the right to operate short-term rentals (STRs) across the island as a zoning bylaw are strict enough. With the deadline to approve the town meeting warrant approaching, it's unclear if the board will allow the proposal to be brought to a vote.

Sarasota

The city of Sarasota currently requires vacation rental registration only in the Coastal Islands Overlay District, covering 138 properties. However, with over 700 more vacation rentals scattered throughout the city, the City Commission is considering expanding the registration ordinance citywide due to STRs’ impact on neighborhoods. The expansion likely wouldn't occur until 2025, when the new city building opens. Until then, the discussion will continue in the city’s upcoming budget sessions.