Short-term rentals come in many shapes and sizes. In Arizona, lawmakers are on the brink of allowing homeowners to build backyard add-ons, known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), to their properties. The casitas could be used by some property owners as short-term rentals.
The legislation does, however, stipulate that owners be residing in the main house on their property in order to legally offer their backyard rentals on a short-term basis. The Arizona Senate has passed an amended version of the legislation that now heads to the House.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has called on lawmakers to send bills to her desk on AUDs. But the bill could still face headwinds in the House. Some advocacy groups and city officials, including Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega, want the bill amended to exclude STRs.
In nearby Oklahoma, officials in Oklahoma City are considering for the first time in decades lifting their longstanding ban on ADUs. But they too have concerns about those units being converted into STRs.
Below, please find Property Guard's weekly short term rental regulation round-up, highlighting state and local news regarding short term rental regulations to regulate (or prohibit) Airbnbs and other STRs. If you want a comprehensive data solution on STR regulations in all 20,000 state and local jurisdictions, contact us here.
New and Proposed Regulations:
- Vermont: Lawmakers passed Vermont’s annual property tax bill to fund schools, with a 3% surcharge tax on STRs. But it could be headed for a veto. (link)
- Hawaii: The Aloha State’s highest court is weighing whether STRs should be allowed on farmland. (link)
- Scottsdale, Arizona: The city council in Scottsdale has approved new ordinances on STRs aimed at reducing noise disturbances and holding “party promoters” accountable. (link)
- Narragansett, Rhode Island: City officials in Narragansett have adopted a new ordinance that will ban property owners renting out a unit for less than one week at a time. (link)
- San Angelo, Texas: New zoning regulations will go into effect next month on bed and breakfasts and STRs in San Angelo. (link)
- Long Beach, California: A Long Beach man petitioned to ban Airbnb and other STR rentals in his neighborhood – and it worked. (link)
Other Noteworthy News:
- Permit pause: City officials are pausing new construction permits for STRs in New Albany, Indiana. (link)
- Nantucket debate: Residents of Nantucket narrowly voted to reject a proposal that would have officially legalized STRs islandwide, but the debate will continue. (link)
- Island bans: Oahu is signaling it could follow in Maui’s footsteps and make moves to curtail STRs over the next year. (link)
- Climb aboard: Officials in Ocean City, Maryland, are looking into a plan by a local developer to rent houseboats as STRs – in a possible attempt to skirt regulations. (link)
- Florida fandom: A Clever Real Estate market analysis found that Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Miami are top-tier cities for STR investors. (link)
