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

• Phoenix, Arizona

• Alpharetta, Georgia

• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• New Orleans, Louisiana

• Augusta, Georgia

• St. Louis, Missouri

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Phoenix

Phoenix has adopted new regulations on short-term rentals after residents complained of noise, parties, and other disruptions. The rules require owners to obtain permits, give neighbors notice, conduct background checks, and carry insurance. Fines and permit suspensions can be imposed for violations. But some say state law still limits the city's ability to regulate short-term rentals. The rules take effect in November, but enforcement starts in 2024. Residents are glad for the new regulations but say more could be done. The city argues its hands are tied by state law.

Alpharetta

The Alpharetta City Council is considering its first ordinance to regulate short-term rentals. It would revise the zoning code to allow rentals with a permit in agricultural areas and require licensing/operational rules. This aims to monitor rental activity after the growth of short-term rentals. Mayor Gilvin initiated it due to residents' concerns about regulating short-term rentals in neighborhoods. Most Councilmembers supported addressing growth, though one cautioned against bureaucracy for a minority. The proposal is still in the early stages and subject to change with future Council discussion.

Pittsburgh

After years of debate, Pittsburgh City Council gave preliminary approval to legislation requiring rental unit owners to obtain permits. Previous rental registries were struck down in courts. The new bill requires owners of short- and long-term rentals to apply for permits through the Dept. of Permits, Licenses and Inspections. Owners get provisional permits until inspections occur. Inspections check for building code and safety compliance. Owners must fix any issues found. Permits must be renewed yearly, with inspections every three years—fees to be set later. The goal is to keep rental info updated. New rules likely take effect in 2024. A separate bill requires a permit for parking permits. Bills could get final approval next week.

New Orleans

After recently proposing a ban on short-term rentals in residential zones, the New Orleans City Council has temporarily paused new commercial short-term rentals in the city until a comprehensive study on STR regulations can be completed. The council approved a new Interim Zoning District that limits short-term rentals to 1 unit or 25% of total units on a property. For the CBD-5 District, short-term rentals are only allowed in buildings with 10+ units that trigger affordable housing requirements. The pause allows the council time to evaluate STRs impacts in the commercial zones before issuing new regulations.

Augusta

Augusta, GA, is debating regulations on short-term rentals like Airbnb. Complaints about noise and trash have arisen, but officials say there aren't enough to warrant action yet. Some commissioners want regulations to prevent issues, but others don't want to limit property rights without necessity. Currently, there are 676 short-term rentals in Augusta, with most issues during the Masters Tournament and other big events. The city decided to monitor for now, but some want written policies for a proactive approach.

St. Louis

Neighborhoods Are For Neighbors was formed to push for tighter regulation of short-term rentals in St. Louis. They propose limiting operators to city residents and allowing only primary residences plus two units in residential areas. Alderman Bret Narayan has introduced bills requiring permits, inspections, 24/7 contacts, and limits out-of-state operators to four units each. He says regulations are needed to reduce party houses and ensure accountability but is open to suggestions. Short-term rental operators argue that the regulations are unnecessary and they improve neighborhoods. The aldermanic committee plans to hold a hearing soon.