Property owners who operate short-term rentals in Decatur have until July 1 to register with the city or face fines of up to $500 a day.
The new ordinance took effect April 1, giving owners a 90-day grace period to comply. City leaders say the goal is to track rentals operating through sites like Airbnb and Vrbo and hold them to the same standards as hotels and motels when it comes to safety and lodging taxes.
“We hold our lodging, hotels and motels to a certain standard. We also would like to do the same for those who have accommodations for visitors coming to our city,” said Chad Bowman, planning director for the City of Decatur…