Idaho Legislature: Ask Legislators to VOTE NO on S1163 - Tourism revenue and short-term rentals (posted 03/13/25)

• Bill: legislature.idaho.gov/s…

• Contact Legislators (linked below):

(Check the linked page or use My Bill Tracker for the bill’s current status.)

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S1163 purports to protect Idaho tourism revenue and establish statewide guidelines for short-term rentals (STRs). This is another example of the state putting its finger on the scale to benefit one group (tourism) at the expense of another (single-family owner-occupied neighborhoods). S1163 also removes local control from city and county planning and zoning (P&Z) and potentially hurts property values for established owners.

Key provisions:

• Prohibits counties and cities from enacting ordinances that effectively ban or otherwise restrict STRs.

• Requires that STRs be treated like residential properties for zoning and building code purposes, and establishes a standardized permitting process.

• Local jurisdictions can only require an annual permit up to $50, which can be revoked only if owner fails to pay or receives three or more violations in a 12-month period.

• Mandates that STR owners disclose safety information to tenants, such as presence of smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.

• STR properties remain subject to standard residential ordinances related to noise, parking, and other community regulations.

Key reasons to oppose:

1. Short term rentals often negatively impact neighborhoods and full-time residents who also should have the constitutional rights to enjoy properties they paid for and are being taxed on.

2. Short-term renters often disrupt the peace of a community. With no personal or financial investment in the community (beyond their short-term rental charge), short-term renters are more likely to drive fast through neighborhoods, litter, party, break subdivision or HOA rules, and otherwise disturb the peace and tranquility of existing neighborhoods.

3. Owners who rent to short-term renters must be responsible for behavior of their temporary tenants, just as they would be responsible for their own behavior.

4. People who bought property before STRs were allowed could face diminishing property values as their neighborhood transitions from stable owner-occupied residences to tourism.

5. Local (city/county) P&Z commissions should have authority to determine how properties are used within their jurisdiction. Local P&Z enables prospective buyers and sellers to know what types of uses are appropriate and to buy or sell accordingly.

6. S1163 seems more like a fee grab than a way to encourage Idaho tourism.