Executive Summary
Buena Vista, Colorado, has capped short-term rental licenses at just 119 for out-of-county owners and banned them entirely from R-1 residential zones, creating a severely restricted investment environment for non-local buyers. Meanwhile, Anchorage, Alaska, could impose an additional 5% tax on top of existing 12% room taxes if voters approve the April 2026 ballot measure, potentially pushing total taxes to 17%. On the positive side, Pemberton, British Columbia, has relaxed rules for rentals under 90 days, opening new opportunities for flexible operators. Boulder, Colorado, is introducing festival event licenses allowing up to 29 days of rental annually during events like Sundance for just $190 every four years, while St. Augustine, Florida, is raising registration fees and adding per-bedroom charges starting October 1, 2025.
New Regulations
Pemberton, British Columbia
Published: September 18, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing
Summary: Pemberton council has implemented new short-term rental rules to enhance oversight while allowing greater flexibility for operators renting properties for less than 90 days. These changes could benefit STR investors by easing restrictions on short-term operations, potentially increasing rental opportunities in Pemberton.
Source: Pemberton council passes new short-term rental rules, adds flexibility for operators renting for less than 90 days
Buena Vista, Colorado
Published: September 18, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Zoning
Summary: Buena Vista's Ordinance 9 caps short-term rental licenses at 119 for out-of-county owners and 30 for in-county, non-primary residences, prohibits out-of-county licenses in R-1 zones, and requires two-year ownership for eligibility. These restrictions significantly limit new STR investments, particularly for non-local investors, and have sparked controversy over potential conflicts of interest.
Source: STR amendment draws allegations of conflict of interest
Developing Regulations
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Published: September 19, 2025
Regulation Category: Zoning
Summary: A lawsuit by Adam Cummings, owner of the former Lampost building, challenges the Martha's Vineyard Commission's restriction on using workforce housing units for short-term rentals, with a trial set for October 14, 2025. The outcome could determine whether these units can be used for short-term rentals, potentially impacting investment opportunities in Oak Bluffs.
Source: Lampost short-term rental restriction lawsuit heads to trial
Winona, Minnesota
Published: September 19, 2025
Regulation Category: Zoning
Summary: The Winona Planning Commission is proposing a 500-foot buffer between non-owner-occupied short-term rentals in residential areas and expanded neighbor notification requirements, aiming to preserve neighborhood character and housing availability. While no cap on STRs is planned, these restrictions could limit new STR investments and affect existing operations in residential zones.
Source: Limits on Airbnbs advance at Winona city hall
Anchorage, Alaska
Published: September 17, 2025
Regulation Category: Tax
Summary: The Anchorage Assembly is considering a ballot measure to impose a 5% tax on short-term rentals, in addition to the existing 12% room tax, to fund housing development, with a vote scheduled for April 7, 2026. If approved, this tax could increase operating costs for STR investors, potentially reducing profitability in Anchorage.
Source: Anchorage Assembly weighing ballot measure to tax short-term rentals
Boulder, Colorado
Published: September 19, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing
Summary: Boulder City Council is advancing a festival event license allowing property owners to rent homes for up to 29 days annually during events like the Sundance Film Festival, costing $190 and renewable every four years, with final approval expected on October 9, 2025. This license offers STR investors a new, flexible opportunity but raises concerns about impacts on affordable housing, potentially affecting long-term investment strategies.
Source: Boulder City Council Inches Closer to Short-Term Rental License for Sundance
St. Augustine, Florida
Published: September 18, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Tax
Summary: The St. Augustine City Commission is set to vote on increasing short-term rental registration fees from $294.48 to $303.03 per unit, with additional per-bedroom charges and new enforcement fees, effective October 1, 2025, if approved. These fee hikes could raise operating costs for STR investors, impacting profitability and requiring compliance with annual inspections.
Source: Running a St. Augustine Short Term Rental is About to Get More Expensive - If City Leaders Sign Off Next Week
Daphne, Alabama
Published: September 17, 2025
Regulation Category: Zoning
Summary: The Lake Forest subdivision in Daphne is considering a ban on short-term rentals, citing concerns over safety and property values, with a vote delayed due to community feedback. STR investors face uncertainty as the ban, if passed, could eliminate short-term rental opportunities in this community, affecting less than 0.5% of properties.
Source: Short-term rental owners speak out on Lake Forest's potential ban