Hudson City Council debates short-term rental caps and owner occupancy regulations

The Hudson City Council convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss various topics, primarily focusing on the regulation of short-term rental licenses in the city. The meeting began with a review of the proposed ordinance amendments aimed at managing the number of short-term rental licenses issued, which currently stands at a cap of 25.

Council members expressed differing opinions on whether to maintain the population-based formula for determining the number of licenses or to establish a fixed cap. Some members suggested removing the population criteria altogether, allowing for a straightforward cap of 25 licenses, while others proposed starting with a lower number and adjusting based on community feedback and application trends.

A significant point of discussion revolved around the enforcement of owner-occupied rental requirements. Council members raised concerns about how to ensure compliance, particularly regarding the verification of ownership and occupancy. Suggestions included requiring affidavits and considering whether properties held in trusts should qualify under the owner-occupied definition.

The council also debated the implications of allowing multiple short-term rentals within close proximity, particularly in planning districts. A proposal was made to limit the number of licenses per planning district to 15, with the possibility of adjusting this number based on future evaluations.

The meeting concluded with a vote to extend the moratorium on new short-term rental licenses, allowing the council more time to finalize the ordinance. The council emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the regulations and acknowledged the need for clarity in procedural matters moving forward.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the council's commitment to balancing the interests of residents, property owners, and the broader community while navigating the complexities of short-term rental regulations. The next steps will involve further refinement of the proposed ordinance and continued engagement with the public to ensure that the final regulations reflect the community's needs and concerns.