South Dakota House Bill HB1149

South Dakota 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/25/24

Caption

Allow for a vacation home establishment and provide for municipal and county regulation thereof.

Impact

Under HB1149, while local governments cannot prohibit vacation home establishments, they retain the authority to implement regulations concerning fire and building codes, health and sanitation, traffic control, solid or hazardous waste management, and the designation of an emergency contact for the properties. This amendment is designed to balance property rights with necessary safety and health considerations, addressing concerns from both property owners and local authorities about the management of such establishments.

Summary

House Bill 1149 aims to regulate the use of properties as vacation home establishments within South Dakota. The bill explicitly prohibits municipalities and counties from enacting any ordinances that would effectively ban the use of properties for vacation homes. This legislative initiative is intended to establish a standardized approach across the state regarding how vacation homes can be utilized, thereby preventing local regulations that might vary significantly from one area to another.

Contention

The bill's passage may generate significant debate among local governments and community members, particularly those in areas with a high volume of vacation rentals. Critics may argue that while the bill promotes economic opportunities associated with vacation rentals, it undermines local governance and the ability to address specific community issues, such as noise control and public safety. Proponents, on the other hand, may contend that the bill fosters tourist attraction and property utilization without imposing prohibitive regulations that could stifle economic growth in popular destinations.