News You Can Use – July 31 – TOP STORY: Newport News Starts STR Enforcement Tomorrow

Today’s “News Can Use” is a typical days of new bans and regulations all over the place, and a few items of good news!

Newport News, VA: Enforcement of STR rules begins August 1
The City of Newport News will begin enforcing its new short-term rental regulations tomorrow. Officials say they are focusing on safety, permits, and neighborhood impacts.
🔗 13NewsNow

Plano, TX: City considers STR rules after brothel bust
After police uncovered an illegal brothel operating out of a short-term rental, Plano officials are moving quickly to consider new STR regulations.
🎥 NBC DFW

Howard County, MD: First-time fines jump to $2,500 for illegal STR pools
The Howard County Council voted to increase first-time fines for unlicensed private pool rentals — often tied to STRs — from $500 to $2,500.
🔗 WBAL Radio
🔗 WBAL TV
🔗 CBS Baltimore

Kent County, DE: Rules relaxed to allow more STRs
Officials in Kent County approved changes to expand short-term rental eligibility and loosen zoning restrictions after pushback on earlier proposals.
🔗 Delaware Public Media

Bossier Parish, LA: STR regulations under consideration
Officials in Bossier Parish are exploring new STR rules to address noise complaints and neighborhood compatibility.
🔗 KTBS
🔗 West Central’s Best

Lakewood, OH: STR ordinance under review
Lakewood’s City Council is examining possible changes to its short-term rental ordinance, including updates to enforcement and registration requirements.
🔗 Cleveland.com

Chaffee County, CO: Non-resident STR cap proposed in Buena Vista
Town trustees are advancing a plan to cap the number of STR licenses available to non-resident property owners in Buena Vista.
🔗 Chaffee County Times

Teller County, CO: County-level STR debate kicks off
A new countywide discussion about STR rules and permitting has begun in Teller County, with officials promising public engagement before drafting ordinances.
🔗 Mountain Jackpot

Winona, MN: STR rules under review next month
The city’s Planning Commission is scheduled to review new short-term rental proposals in August as community feedback continues to come in.
🔗 News8000

Tuscaloosa, AL: Zoning Board approves STR exceptions amid opposition
Despite vocal community opposition, the Tuscaloosa Zoning Board approved multiple STR exceptions — but neighbors continue to speak out at “The Downs.”
🔗 CitizenPortal – Petitions Approved
🔗 CitizenPortal – Zoning Board Exceptions
🔗 CitizenPortal – Resident Opposition

Hinton, AB (Canada): Consultant says town’s STR policy is already strong
A consultant hired to assess STR policy in Hinton says the town’s current rules are already appropriately strict and recommends no major changes.
🔗 Fitzhugh

The Villages, FL: STR critics slam rentals as “flop houses”
A new editorial in The Villages sharply criticizes STRs as disruptive and incompatible with the community’s retirement lifestyle.
🔗 Villages News

Hilton Head Island, SC: Legal fights escalate over STRs in gated communities
Legal experts and HOAs continue to clash over the enforceability of STR restrictions in gated communities across Hilton Head.
🔗 Island Packet

New York (Statewide): Editorial pushes for local STR control, not statewide mandates
A Times Union editorial argues that local governments — not the state — should retain control over STR policies, citing diverse housing markets and community needs.
🔗 Times Union – Opinion

Houghton Lake, MI: Resident recounts STR nightmare next door
A local resident’s letter to the editor describes ongoing disruption caused by a neighboring STR, fueling support for tighter local regulation.
🔗 Houghton Lake Resorter

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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