Summit County Launches Digital Surveillance and Hotline to Target Thousands of Illegal Rentals
Summit County officials have deployed advanced tracking technology to identify thousands of unregistered short-term rentals, this initiative marks a major shift from reactive to proactive enforcement. The administration launched a dedicated 24/7 hotline on January 16, the system aims to close a massive compliance gap involving nearly 4,000 illegal properties.
Years of Regulatory Struggle Lead to High-Tech Solution
Local leaders have wrestled with housing market distortions for several years, a temporary moratorium in 2022 failed to fully solve the issue. Officials subsequently banned rentals in accessory dwelling units in 2023, this decision forced owners to prioritize long-term workforce housing. The turning point arrived with a 2025 state law, the legislation finally authorized municipalities to use online data as primary evidence for enforcement. These legal changes paved the way for the current crackdown, the county previously lacked the tools to police the estimated 6,000 active listings effectively.
Enforcement Officer Deploys Azora Software to Scrape Listings
The administration has integrated a software platform named Azora into its operations, the tool cross-references active listings on sites like Airbnb against the county database. Initial findings exposed a stark reality, only 1,200 of the region's estimated 5,000 to 6,000 rentals currently hold valid licenses. Staffers can now issue automated violations when the software detects an unlicensed property, this capability removes the need for manual searching.
Dedicated Team Manages Real-Time Complaints
The county hired Scott Buchanan as the designated Short-Term Rental Code Enforcement Officer, he brings law enforcement experience to the role. Residents can now call the new hotline at 435.615.3924 for immediate issues, trained operators triage these calls to filter out non-emergency disputes. The system forwards noise and parking violations directly to property managers, emergencies still go to 911 dispatchers to ensure public safety remains the priority.
Property Owners Face Stricter Oversight and Potential Fines
Unlicensed operators now face a high probability of detection, the automated system makes avoiding registration nearly impossible. Officials expect to recover significant lost revenue through back taxes and licensing fees, this money will support broader community goals. The data gathered during this phase will inform future ordinances, the council plans to introduce holistic regulations later in 2026 to protect the character of Summit County neighborhoods.
The administration views this technology as a critical step toward solving the local housing crisis, the 2026 Work Plan aims to deliver 1,500 affordable units. Property owners must secure permits immediately to avoid penalties.
