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Forest Acres Changes Short Term Rental Business License Requirements

City of Forest Acres City Hall

The City of Forest Acres has adopted updated regulations governing short-term rentals (STRs) to promote neighborhood accountability, safety, and quality of life. The ordinance was approved by City Council in December 2025 and applies to all short-term rental operators within city limits.

Under the new requirements, any property owner operating a short-term rental—whether renting an entire property or a single room—must obtain a City of Forest Acres business license. This includes rentals advertised through platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO. Traditional long-term rentals under annual leases are not subject to this requirement.

The City is currently finalizing application materials and public guidance. A grace period is in effect, with all short-term rental operators required to be fully compliant no later than April 30, ahead of the business license year beginning May 1.

Key Ordinance Highlights

  • One rental triggers a license: A business license is required for even one short-term rental, including a room within an owner-occupied home.
  • Property managers also licensed: When a property management company is involved, both the owner and the management company must maintain separate business licenses, as they perform distinct business activities.
  • Occupancy limits: Short-term rentals are limited to two adults per bedroom.
  • Parking and trash standards: Guests must use legal driveway or street parking, and all trash must fit inside the designated cart and be properly secured.
  • License posting: The business license must be displayed inside the rental unit in a visible location.
  • Accountability requirement: Owners or managers must provide current contact information for a responsible party who can respond promptly to issues.

Enforcement & Compliance

Failure to obtain a required business license may result in daily fines, court citations, or misdemeanor charges under City ordinance. The City emphasizes that enforcement is focused on compliance and accountability, not punishment.

Residents experiencing issues related to a short-term rental—such as noise, parties, or parking concerns—are encouraged to contact the Forest Acres Police Department, which is authorized to enforce the ordinance and respond to nuisance complaints.

Where to Learn More

The full requirements are outlined in the City’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Section 3.14 – Short-Term Rentals. A direct link and online application will be available on the City website once final materials are posted.

For additional information, residents and property owners are encouraged to contact City staff or visit the City of Forest Acres website.

Forest Acres Short-Term Rental & Business License FAQ

Only one.

If you operate any short-term rental—whether it’s an entire home, an investment property, or a single room inside your primary residence—you must obtain a Forest Acres business license.

Yes, if it is a short-term rental (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.).

A business license is not required for traditional long-term leases.

Council approved the ordinance in December 2025, effective the next day.

A grace period is in place while the City finalizes applications and communicates requirements.

All STR owners must comply and obtain their business license by April 30, with the STR license year beginning May 1.

The ordinance is located in the Forest Acres Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) under Section 3.14 – Short-Term Rentals (around page 67).

A direct link will be added to this webpage once posted.

Yes. The owner needs a business license because they earn rental income. The management company also needs a business license because it performs a separate business activity.

They are legally considered two distinct business operations:

  • Owner: earns rental revenue.
  • Manager: provides contracted management services.
    Each must be licensed independently.

To ensure accountability and quick response to issues. Short-term rentals can generate noise complaints, parking issues, or parties. The City must be able to reach a responsible party who is within 1–2 hours of the property.

Fees are based on gross annual rental income and the business classification code, not a flat amount. Owners report estimated rental income; management companies report their contracted service amount. (Fees will be posted once classifications are finalized.)

Yes. The business license must be visible inside the unit (for example, displayed near the front door). Clarification is forthcoming on whether it must be visible from the exterior.

Non-compliance can result in:

  • Daily fines (up to $1,087.50 per day)
  • Mandatory court appearance
  • Potential misdemeanor charges if violations continue
    The City’s preference is always voluntary compliance.
  • Traditional rental: long-term lease, typically 12-month agreements.
  • Short-term rental: rentals of fewer days, as defined in the UDO. (Full definition will be linked.)

Maximum occupancy is 2 adults per bedroom.

Yes. Highlights include:

  • Parking: Must be in standard driveways or legal street parking; no parking in yards.
  • Trash:
    • All trash must be inside the cart—no overflow bags.
    • Carts must be secured to prevent spills/pests.
    • Trash must be placed out only on the assigned pickup day.
  • Length of stay: Defined in UDO Section 3.14.

All STRs, new or existing, must come into compliance by April 30. There is no grandfathering for previously operating rentals.

Contact the Forest Acres Police Department.

Most issues occur outside City Hall business hours, and FAPD has the authority to enforce the ordinance and nuisance violations. They also have access to the required owner/manager contact information.