STRs seek special exceptions to leapfrog regulations

Cities around the country are restricting short-term rentals. But in some municipalities, STR owners can seek a special exception to operate. 

New Orleans recently granted three such exceptions for non-commercial short-term rentals, the first of their kind since the city limited STRs last year. 

Local officials determined the properties met a combination of criteria. 

One STR was in a historic urban neighborhood business district, with businesses adjacent to the property. Another STR was a bedroom within a single family dwelling on the ground floor, and could not operate as a long-term rental. The third property, a two-story mother-in-law cottage behind the owner's home, was capped at four guests and had operated legally since 2019 with no violations. 

“The community should feel comfortable that significant research, significant analysis has been involved with this process that leads us to a point where we can tolerate and work with a short-term rental industry that does not proliferate throughout the city and have detrimental effects on our communities,” Council member Eugene Green told Fox 8. 

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:

• St. Louis, Missouri: Local officials approved a bill that would place a 3% fee on STRs. The proposal now heads to the mayor’s desk to be signed. (link) 
• St. Petersburg, Florida: City council members are considering a “super fine” of $10,000 for STR ordinance offenders. (link) 
• Salisbury, Maryland: STRs are one city council vote away from having to register and be subject to inspections. (link). 
• Geneva, New York: STR owners no longer need a special-use permit and have new parking regulations to abide by. (link) 
• Indianapolis, Indiana: STR owners could need a permit under a new proposal that would allow property inspections. (link) 

Other Noteworthy News:

• Island warnings: Maui plans to revert 7,160 vacation rentals back to long-term rentals. But opponents are warning of a significant loss in revenue. (link) 
• Holiday rentals: Local residents in Lisbon, Portugal are calling for a government crackdown on STRs operating in residential buildings. (link)