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

• Wichita, Kansas

• Cadillac, Michigan

• Decatur, Alabama

• Belleville, New Jersey

• Ocean City, New Jersey

• Lee, Massachusetts

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Wichita

On Tuesday, the Wichita City Council approved new regulations for short-term rentals. The regulations require a $225 annual license fee and liability insurance for short-term rentals to operate legally. The rules follow a 2021 shooting at an Airbnb that left one dead and three injured, sparking neighborhood concerns. Short-term rentals now need to get permits to comply with zoning codes. Existing rentals have six months to meet licensing rules and one year to comply with zoning. At the meeting, some residents voiced concerns over housing availability with more Airbnbs, while owners said they provide important lodging options. The council deferred action on a proposed nuisance party ordinance to fine disruptive gatherings.

Cadillac

The city of Cadillac has faced backlash over expanding short-term rental zoning. At a recent council meeting, residents near proposed new sites, like Sunnyside Dr and North Blvd, spoke out against the zones. They criticized relying on an online survey and said short-term rentals hurt neighborhoods. The council voted to codify existing restrictions while deliberations continue. New proposed regulations would require licensing and limit violations; however, deliberations on the potential new rules are ongoing, and no changes have been approved.

Decatur

The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce policy committee recently met to form its 2024 public policy agenda. One of the major items on the agenda was the support of city regulation of short- and long-term rentals, including build-to-rent homes. The committee recommends requiring a special variance for build-to-rent communities, homes built by developers and then sold to investors who rent or turn them into short-term rentals. Members of the committee want to be notified upfront if a subdivision will be build-to-rent, as they state that these properties typically are run by absentee landlords, turning into run-down properties. The committee will put forth these policies for a vote later this year.

Belleville

The Belleville, NJ Town Council unanimously approved a new ordinance imposing strict regulations on short-term rentals. The rules prohibit rentals in single-family homes, condominiums, or townhomes, non-owner occupied units in a multi-family home, multi-family homes without compliant parking, and units in 6+ unit buildings. Owners must get a permit proving no recent noise violations, paid taxes/fees, and liability insurance. Additionally, rentals can't be rented to anyone under 21 years old. Owners who break these rules can receive daily fines of up to $2k for violations.

Ocean City

Upper Township Committee in New Jersey has formed an ad hoc subcommittee to study short-term rental regulations after opposition arose to a proposed ordinance. The subcommittee, comprising officials and residents, will examine issues like parking, occupancy, maintenance, and duration of rentals. Some see benefits like extra income for owners and more tourism, but others cite concerns about neighborhood integrity. The goal is to balance the rights of owners and the community. Initially, the township planned to require registration, inspections, occupancy limits, and restrict rentals outside certain zones, but the ordinance was tabled due to backlash. The subcommittee will now investigate and report back before new regulations are considered.

Lee

After months of work, Lee's Planning Board unanimously approved a proposed bylaw to regulate short-term rentals. The bylaw allows rentals but with limits - no corporate-owned properties except small LLCs, no affordable housing units, a $100 registration fee, safety requirements, and fines for violations. The new regulations aim to balance the interests of homeowners who want to rent out their homes against hotels worried about unfair competition. Voters have the final say at a special town meeting this fall. The bylaw addresses confusion and unhappiness over the current lack of short-term rental regulation.