local zoning commission on STR

[Shia Rubin]

Good morning all

how would one find the right info about local zoning if STR is approved before going into a deal?

is it often that local laws about STR change? and how to plan for change if it arears?

Thanks

Shia

[James Carlson]

@Shia Rubin @Carolyn Fuller

I just posted this in another forum, but thought I'd copy it over here:

If it's anything like it is here in Denver and Colorado Springs areas, the planning department should know the Airbnb and short-term rental laws. I searched for Boca Raton planning and zoning, and it's the first listing. Call them there and ask for a "planner of the day." I make these calls all the time for our Airbnb investor clients in Colorado. Most cities around here have a planner who is on call to answer public questions. They should be the ones to know rules on vacation rentals.

One note on this. Not all planners are well-versed in this. I find that I often know the STR rules better than the city itself, so make sure you ask clear pointed questions.

• Are rentals of less than 30 days allowed?
• In just your primary residence or also in non-owner occupied homes?
• If it's only in your primary residence, does the city define what that means? Have a minimum number of nights you have to live there?
• Are there any zoning requirements for Airbnb-eligible homes?
• Restrictions on # of nights you can rent out?

And then ask for a link or a PDF copy of the ordinance that lays all of the above out. Good luck!