News You Can Use – February 18, 2026 – TOP STORY: Ocean City rescinds STR moratorium
1) TOP STORY: Ocean City, MD — Council Rescinds Moratorium
Following a successful petition drive by property owners, the Ocean City Council has voted to rescind the recently enacted moratorium on new short-term rental licenses. The move avoids a potentially costly public referendum and allows the city to resume processing applications while officials continue to refine long-term zoning rules. Links: – CoastTV
2) Idaho — State House Advances STR Protections
The Idaho House has passed a bill aimed at curbing the ability of local municipalities to implement outright bans on short-term rentals. The legislation, which now moves to the Senate, seeks to establish statewide standards that protect property rights while still allowing for "reasonable" local health and safety regulations. Links: – KTVB – Boise State Public Radio – CDA Press
3) Kentucky — Senate Bill 104 Sparks Local Opposition
Senate Bill 104 is drawing sharp criticism from local leaders in cities like Fort Wright, who argue the state-level bill would "upend" local control over short-term rentals. Proponents of the bill argue it provides much-needed consistency for the tourism industry across the Commonwealth. Links: – NKY Tribune – Link NKY
4) Columbia, SC — First Step Toward Repeal
The Columbia City Council has taken its first formal step toward repealing the city's current short-term rental moratorium. Officials are considering a new regulatory framework that would replace the pause with a permanent licensing and inspection system. Links: – WIS TV
5) Skokie, IL — Official Launch of New Rules
Following its final approval earlier this month, Skokie has officially launched its new regulatory system for short-term rentals. Hosts must now register their properties and adhere to strict occupancy and nuisance standards mandated by the village. Links: – Chicago Tribune
6) Saugatuck, MI — Rules Amended with Amnesty Period
The Saugatuck City Council has approved amendments to its local rental rules, which include a one-time amnesty period for existing operators to come into compliance. The update aims to finalize the town's registry and resolve outstanding enforcement issues. Links: – Holland Sentinel
7) Tisbury, MA — Eliminating the Cap
In a rare move for Martha's Vineyard, Tisbury officials are considering the total elimination of the town's cap on short-term rental licenses. Proponents argue the market has stabilized and that current administrative burdens outweigh the benefits of the limit. Links: – MV Times
8) Memphis, TN — Fatal Shooting at Rental
A fatal shooting in East Memphis has renewed local calls for stricter oversight of short-term rentals. Police are still searching for suspects following the incident at a property neighbors identified as a frequent site for unpermitted parties. Links: – WREG Memphis
9) Boyne City, MI — Rental Cap Lowered
The Boyne City Commission has voted to lower the maximum number of short-term rental licenses allowed in the city to 130. The reduction comes as part of a broader effort to preserve the town's year-round housing stock. Links: – Petoskey News
10) Pittsburgh, PA — Residents Demand Action
Pittsburgh residents are urging the City Council to finalize long-delayed short-term rental legislation. Community members highlighted concerns over safety and neighborhood character, while the Council reviews proposals for a mandatory registry. Links: – ShortTermRentalz – WTAE
11) Hocking Hills, OH — Owners Oppose New Rules
Proposed regulations in the Hocking Hills region are facing significant pushback from property owners who argue the rules are "unnecessary and burdensome". The dispute highlights the tension in one of Ohio's premier tourism destinations over how to balance growth with local infrastructure. Links: – Columbus Dispatch
12) DeLand, FL — Changes to Rental Ban Proposed
DeLand officials are considering amendments to the city’s current ban on short-term rentals in certain districts. The proposed changes would allow for more flexibility while introducing new e-bike and nuisance regulations for permitted units. Links: – WFTV – Yahoo News
13) Pittsfield Township, MI — Policies Finalized
The Pittsfield Township Board has finalized its first comprehensive set of short-term rental policies. The new rules establish a permitting process and include strict limits on the number of guests and parking spaces allowed per unit. Links: – WEMU
14) Laketown Township, MI — New Restrictions Considered
Township supervisors are reviewing a proposal that would impose new caps and stricter licensing requirements on short-term rentals. The discussion follows a significant increase in the number of active listings in the lakeside community. Links: – WOOD TV – Holland Sentinel
15) Laconia, NH — Neighborhood Restrictions Debated
The Laconia City Council is inviting public input on a plan to restrict short-term rentals in specific residential neighborhoods. The proposal seeks to steer rental activity toward commercial and mixed-use areas to reduce conflict in quiet residential zones. Links: – Laconia Daily Sun
16) Wayne, NJ — Possible Ban on the Table
Township officials in Wayne are considering a formal ban on short-term rentals following a series of complaints regarding parties and traffic. The Council is expected to hold a public hearing on the matter next month. Links: – News 12 New Jersey
17) Folly Beach, SC — Cap Analysis
New data from Folly Beach highlights the impact of the town's current rental cap on local real estate trends. While the cap remains popular with many permanent residents, real estate professionals warn it is beginning to suppress property values for high-end island homes. Links: – Post and Courier
Questions or concerns about how these stories might impact Newport Beach STRs? Feel free to reach out — we’re here to help.
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