Hudson council debates short term rental licenses tied to dwelling units

During the recent Hudson City Council meeting on June 2, 2025, significant discussions centered around the regulation of short-term rentals, particularly in relation to new housing developments in the downtown area. Council members expressed concerns about the current licensing system, which ties short-term rental licenses to population growth rather than the actual housing stock available for rentals.

One key point raised was the need to reassess how short-term rental licenses are allocated, especially as the city sees an increase in multifamily dwellings like apartments and condos. Council members noted that the existing system may not accurately reflect the demand for short-term rentals, as it could lead to an oversaturation of licenses in single-family homes while neglecting the growth in apartment units.

The council discussed the importance of updating the licensing process to ensure that it aligns with the number of dwelling units available for short-term rentals. This would mean that if new apartment buildings are constructed, they should be counted as individual units eligible for short-term rental licenses, rather than simply increasing the population count.

Additionally, the council highlighted the need for transparency in the licensing process. They plan to update the city’s website annually to include owners' contact information and details about license expirations, addressing public requests for more accessible information regarding short-term rentals.

As Hudson continues to grow, the council's focus on refining short-term rental regulations aims to balance community needs with the evolving housing landscape, ensuring that the licensing system is fair and reflective of actual housing availability. The next steps will involve further discussions on how to implement these changes effectively, with an emphasis on aligning rental licenses with the city's housing development strategy.