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US: Columbia City Council has unanimously approved changes to its short-term rental ordinance, significantly restricting where new STRs can operate within the city.
Under the amended rules, short-term rentals will continue to be permitted in commercial and mixed-use districts but will only be allowed in residential areas if the property is located on a street with at least four through lanes and classified as a major arterial, minor arterial or collector road.
The decision follows months of debate and public discussion, which intensified after a June shooting at a short-term rental property that left one person dead and three others injured.
City Council began reviewing its existing STR regulations shortly after the incident, deferring a vote twice before referring the amendment to the Planning and Zoning Committee in September. Although the committee did not approve the proposal, Council granted first reading approval in December before giving it final approval this week.
The amended ordinance also formally distinguishes short-term rentals from other types of accommodation, such as hotels and bed-and-breakfasts.
Any short-term rentals that were approved before the ordinance change will be allowed to continue operating, regardless of zoning.
The new rules effectively prevent most new short-term rentals from opening in residential neighbourhoods, a move supported by many residents but criticised by some operators and property managers, who argue the changes limit viable hosting options within the city.
Highlights:
City Council unanimously approves amended short-term rental ordinance
New STRs largely limited to commercial and mixed-use zones
Residential STRs only permitted on certain four-lane arterial or collector roads
Existing, permitted short-term rentals can continue operating
