News You Can Use – July 11, 2025 – TOP STORY: Wisconsin court strikes down another STR ordinance

Today’s headlines include a second major Wisconsin court ruling in favor of STR owners, enforcement updates from coast to coast, and signs of new regulation in Texas, Oregon, and California.

Wisconsin Court Overturns Another Local STR Law

A Wisconsin appeals court has voided the City of Summit’s short-term rental ordinance, ruling that it violated state statutes protecting the right to rent residential property. The ruling follows a similar decision earlier this week in Neenah, suggesting a legal trend favoring property owners across the state.

Source:
🔗 Wisconsin Law Journal – Summit ordinance voided

Key takeaway: Wisconsin courts continue to favor STR rights — potentially shaping the legal environment in other states with preemption or strong property-rights statutes.

The Woodlands, TX Subcommittee Eyes STR Regulation

A housing subcommittee in The Woodlands (Houston metro area) is exploring options for short-term rental regulations. While no ordinance has been proposed yet, discussion topics include registration, enforcement, and quality-of-life concerns.

Source:
🔗 Community Impact – STR subcommittee launched

Key takeaway: When STR regulation surfaces in conservative or suburban jurisdictions like The Woodlands, it signals the issue’s expanding geographic and political footprint.

Albany, OR Begins Taxing Short-Term Rentals

Albany, Oregon has implemented a local transient lodging tax on short-term rentals. This brings STRs in line with traditional lodging properties and is expected to generate new revenue for tourism-related services.

Source:
🔗 KPTV – Albany enacts STR tax

Key takeaway: STR taxation continues to expand rapidly, often framed as a fairness issue — and rarely facing organized opposition.

Los Angeles Think Tank Warns Against “Scarcity Strategy”

The Pacific Research Institute published a policy brief arguing that L.A.'s STR restrictions contribute to housing scarcity without solving affordability. It warns that limiting rentals may backfire by reducing supply and boosting illegal operations.

Source:
🔗 Pacific Research Institute – Opinion

Key takeaway: As policy debates heat up, market-based arguments defending STRs are gaining renewed visibility in major metros.

Dearborn, MI Advances STR Limits

City officials in Dearborn are moving forward with limits on short-term rentals, citing neighborhood disruption and enforcement issues. The ordinance could include caps, zoning restrictions, or bans in certain areas.

Source:
🔗 Detroit News – STR limits in Dearborn (paywalled)

Key takeaway: Southeast Michigan is becoming an STR hotspot, with suburban cities like Dearborn joining Ann Arbor in pursuing tougher rules.

Grand Haven, MI Considers Expanding STR Access

In contrast to Dearborn, Grand Haven is considering opening up its downtown mixed-use district to allow short-term rentals, especially in upper-floor residential units above retail.

Source:
🔗 Crain’s Grand Rapids – Grand Haven considers expansion

Key takeaway: Even in states with contentious STR debates, some cities are still looking to expand access — especially when tied to economic revitalization zones.

Newport, RI Proposes Broad Fee Increases (Including STR-Related)

The City of Newport is reviewing proposed fee hikes across multiple departments, including those related to short-term rental permitting and inspection. The city says increases are needed to keep up with operational costs.

Source:
🔗 Newport This Week – Across-the-board fee increases

Key takeaway: Rising fees may be used to deter new STR operators or fund enforcement — and are often less politically contentious than outright bans.

Laconia, NH Planning Board Seeks STR Zoning Enforcement Language

Laconia’s Planning Board is seeking to tighten enforcement provisions in its STR zoning amendment, citing ambiguity in the current rules and lack of clarity about penalties or compliance triggers.

Source:
🔗 Laconia Daily Sun – Board wants stronger enforcement tools

Key takeaway: Clear enforcement language is now a standard feature in new STR ordinances — often added after early legal challenges.

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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