Newport Beach City Council Moves Toward Revamping Short-Term Rental Rules Amid Community Concerns

Newport Beach, California, is moving forward with updates to its short-term rental regulations following a recent city council vote that aligns with recommendations from the California Coastal Commission. These proposed changes aim to modify existing rules that govern short-term rentals nestled within two specific coastal mixed-use zones. In response to public concern and input, the Coastal Commission highlighted the importance of these adjustments during its review in May. The commission supports allowing a limited number of short-term rental properties in mixed-use areas, including the Mariners’ Mile corridor and upper Balboa Peninsula—zones identified in a 2003 … Read more

Legal Challenge Sparks Debate: Bellingham’s Short-Term Rental Restrictions Under Fire for Unconstitutionality

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A recent lawsuit has emerged challenging the constitutionality of Bellingham’s regulations on short-term rental properties. This legal action raises significant questions about local governance and property rights amid ongoing debates about housing availability in the region. The lawsuit, filed by a property owner who utilizes short-term rentals, seeks to overturn the city’s restrictions that many claim infringe on private property rights. This case puts a spotlight on the growing tension between short-term rental operators and local governments across the United States. As urban areas grapple with rising housing costs and the impacts … Read more

Fort Worth’s Battle Over Home Rentals: Judge Deliberates City’s Short-Term Rental Restrictions After Landowner Lawsuit

FORT WORTH, Texas — A district judge in Fort Worth has postponed a decision on the city’s new short-term rental regulations, following a legal challenge from over 100 property owners. The contentious regulations, which include a ban on rentals in residential zones and stringent requirements in commercial areas, have sparked a significant dispute involving local authorities and property investors. The property owners argue that the city overstepped its bounds with these ordinances, claiming they infringe on their rights to use their properties as they see fit. The debate centers on the balance between maintaining residential … Read more

Saugatuck’s Community Split by Short-Term Rental Caps and Emerging Legal Battles

Saugatuck, Michigan — The crux of community division in Saugatuck lately is the issue of short-term rentals and newly implemented regulations designed to limit their expansion. The city, known for its picturesque lake views and vibrant tourist economy, has seen heated debates over how to balance local residential interests with booming vacation rental businesses. Earlier in the year, the Saugatuck City Council passed measures that established a 20% cap on short-term rentals within the R-1 Residential Districts. This move led to immediate legal challenges. A local group known as Saugatuck Neighbors soon filed a lawsuit … Read more