News You Can Use – October 24, 2025 – TOP STORY: San Diego advances vacation-home tax for ballot consideration
Today’s “News You Can Use” leads with the very troublesome “Vacation Home and STR Tax” in San Diego which would impose a $5,000 PER BEDROOM tax on STRs and vacation homes.
1) TOP STORY: San Diego, CA — Council advances vacation-home tax
Councilmembers moved a proposal forward to place a tax on vacation homes/short-term rentals on a future ballot, noting both revenue potential and policy concerns from some members. Staff will refine the measure language and details before a final vote.
Links:
– The San Diego Union-Tribune
– inewsource
2) Dallas, TX — City asks Texas Supreme Court to reinstate STR restrictions
City lawyers petitioned the state’s high court as litigation over Dallas’ short-term rental rules continues, seeking to lift lower-court limits and allow enforcement of the city’s policy.
Links:
– The Dallas Morning News
– Candy’s Dirt
3) Sausalito, CA — City can fine for posting illegal STR ads
Officials affirmed that advertising unpermitted short-term rentals can trigger fines, part of a wider effort to curb non-compliant listings.
Links:
– SFGATE
4) Saratoga, CA — Council weighs initial STR policy
City leaders discussed whether to establish a permitting framework and operating standards, with next steps to be decided at a future meeting.
Links:
– The Mercury News
5) Juneau, AK — No near-term action expected on STR rules
Local officials signaled that comprehensive regulation is unlikely soon as other priorities take precedence, though the issue remains under watch.
Links:
– KTOO
6) West Stockbridge, MA — Town green-lights STRs and ADUs
Voters approved updates allowing short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units with conditions intended to balance flexibility and neighborhood fit.
Links:
– The Berkshire Edge
7) North Richland Hills, TX — New STR rules adopted
Council approved a set of regulations and enforcement tools outlining where and how STRs may operate and the penalties for violations.
Links:
– KERA News
8) West Fargo, ND — STR ordinance passes without primary-residence rule
After debate, commissioners adopted regulations that do not require operators to use the dwelling as a primary residence.
Links:
– InForum
9) Riverside, AL — Temporary STR moratorium enacted
City leaders approved a pause on new short-term rentals while permanent rules are developed.
Links:
– The St. Clair Times / The Anniston Star
10) Atlantic Beach, FL — Residents press city on enforcement
Neighbors raised concerns about alleged illegal rentals and urged stronger enforcement of the 90-day minimum-stay ordinance.
Links:
– Action News Jax
– News4JAX
11) Blaine County, ID — Tourism groups say STRs are essential
Local lodging and tourism stakeholders argued that short-term rentals remain a key part of the visitor economy amid ongoing policy debate.
Links:
– Idaho Mountain Express
12) Anchorage, AK — Letters clash over higher STR tax
Competing letters to the editor debate whether increasing the STR tax would hurt or help the local economy and housing market.
Links:
– Anchorage Daily News (Letter: tax would hurt)
– Anchorage Daily News (Letter: increase makes sense)
13) East Hampton, NY — Town targets unlicensed rentals
Officials proposed a crackdown on illegal listings after reports that many rentals lack required registration.
Links:
– New York Post
14) Yachats, OR — Owners push to allow family transfers
A city review of the vacation-rental ordinance drew calls to permit license transfers within families as part of broader updates under consideration.
Links:
– Lincoln Chronicle
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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