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

• Greensboro, North Carolina

• Los Angeles, California

• Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania

• Ottawa County, Michigan 

• San Antonio, Texas

• Dana Point, California

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Greensboro

Greensboro's City Council has postponed new short-term rental regulations affecting Airbnb and VRBO properties by four months to April 1, 2024. Due to challenges in hiring staff and finding a third-party vendor, this delay aims to better prepare for the changes. New rules require homeowners to live in or near Guilford County, obtain annual zoning permits, and limit guests to two per bedroom. The decision follows controversy and opposition from renters and residents. Over 600 rentals in Greensboro will be impacted, with the delay allowing for thorough documentation of each property.

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles City Council approved a law requiring short-term rental hosts, including short-term rentals (STR) and hotels, to obtain a police permit. This move, led by Council President Paul Krekorian, aims to address issues like party houses and crime. The law allows the City Council and communities to challenge permit issuance. Similar to other businesses in Los Angeles, this permit involves criminal background checks and fees, with a proposed fee of around $260. Some STR hosts criticized the requirement, especially the fingerprinting for background checks. Airbnb nor VRBO has commented, while the Hotel Association expressed concerns about LAPD's capacity to manage extra permits. This is part of wider regulations on new hotels, demanding a stricter approval process and obligations for developers to replace or renovate demolished homes.

Chestnut Hill

New short-term regulations are causing community debate in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. Residents value staying in short-term rentals for travel but worry about too many disrupting the neighborhood. Since January 1, 2023, Philadelphia began enforcing the regulation that non-onsite owners in certain residential zones need a variance for short-term rentals. The Chestnut Hill Community Association (CHCA) recently opposed a variance, drawing concerns from hosts looking to operate legally. The city's Zoning Board stated the board opposed the variance not because they disagreed with short-term rentals in the neighborhood but instead because they hadn’t developed any specific guidelines for processing variances. CHCA is considering guidelines for short-term variances, similar to Society Hill's strict criteria.

Ottawa County

An Ottawa County Circuit Court judge has temporarily lifted the ban on short-term rentals in Park Township. The ruling, in favor of Park Township Neighbors, a group of short-term rental owners and supporters, halts the enforcement of a ban that began on October 1. The judge recognized the issue as a zoning dispute, contrasting the township's view of it as a business regulation matter. This preliminary injunction is not the final decision but marks the start of the case, offering hope to the group representing about 248 short-term rentals in the area. The township's attorney highlighted increasing complaints about short-term rentals, leading to this legal action. Residents have expressed frustration with the influx of rentals and their impact on the community. This group of frustrated residents seeks regulation for short-term rentals, including registration and accountability for renters' behavior. The next court hearing is expected next year, with a separate case on issued citations set for December 13.

San Antonio

Homeowners in Hollywood Park, Bexar County, have filed a federal lawsuit against a new ordinance banning short-term rentals for less than 30 days, claiming it violates state and federal constitutions. The ordinance, effective Nov. 14, imposes penalties of up to $2,000 a day for violations. Plaintiffs argue the ban is "Orwellian" and infringes on human liberties. Hollywood Park's attorney believes the zoning amendment is legally valid and enacted after public meetings and citizen input. The plaintiffs, who started renting their properties before the ban, seek a preliminary injunction against the law's enforcement. The case reflects a broader national debate on regulating short-term rentals and their impact on communities.

Dana Point

The Dana Point City Council has postponed issuing new short-term rental permits until a mid-year review in 2024. This decision follows a recommendation to approve 37 new permits, which council members felt required further study. Currently, there are 177 active permits, with a cap of 230 set by the council. The delay aims to assess the impact of existing rentals, especially during peak seasons. Some local residents have expressed concerns about the effects of short-term rentals on neighborhoods. Dana Point's approach contrasts with nearby cities like Laguna Hills, Fountain Valley, and Costa Mesa, which have banned these rentals, while others like Orange and Seal Beach have implemented specific rules. The council plans to revisit the issue after reviewing the 2024 mid-year report.