Daily Regulator Notes 04/13/2026

Santa Barbara, CA

A proposed short-term rental ordinance in Santa Barbara is raising concerns over its potential financial impact, as officials acknowledge gaps in data on STR activity and revenue.

Transient Occupancy Tax

The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a Tax imposed on “Transient” guests for the privilege of staying in any hotel, inn, motel, or other commercial lodging establishment, including short term rentals, for lodging or sleeping purposes for a period of 30 consecutive days or less. These taxes are collected by the hotel, motel, or short-term rental operator and are distributed to the City monthly. The TOT is assessed at the rate of 12% of the monthly gross rents.

City of Santa BarbaraFinance

Short-Term Rental Ordinance

Housing Element Program HE-19 The 2023-2031 Housing Element, Housing Element Program HE-19, directs the City of Santa Barbara to develop a short-term rental (STR) ordinance to regulate the location and permitting of vacation rentals to incentivize long-term housing over transitory use.

City of Santa BarbaraCommunity Development

With millions in transient occupancy tax tied to short-term rentals, critics argue the city could face budget shortfalls affecting core services if restrictions move forward without proper analysis. Questions also remain around enforcement costs and possible legal challenges, particularly in coastal areas.

Birmingham, MI

A shooting at a short-term rental property in Birmingham is intensifying concerns about STR activity in residential neighborhoods.

‘I woke up to a bunch of shots’: Birmingham police detain several after shots fired at short-term rental home

Birmingham police say they’ve detained several people after a late night party led to shots fired at a short-term rental on East Lincoln Street. Local 4 spoke to neighbors whose doorbell cameras caught the aftermath.

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The incident, tied to a party at an Airbnb, prompted police response and detentions, though no injuries were reported. The event is expected to fuel further discussion on potential regulations at an upcoming city commission meeting.

Columbia Falls, MT

Columbia Falls officials are moving forward with a more incremental approach to short-term rental regulation, rejecting a proposal to limit permits only to primary residents.

Short-Term Rentals | Columbia Falls, MT

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Instead, the city will standardize its permitting process and focus on stricter enforcement, compliance, and tax collection requirements. The city plans to gather data and revisit the policy within a year as part of a phased regulatory strategy.

Aiken, SC

Aiken City Council is set to begin discussions on regulating short-term rentals in an April 13 work session.

The city is exploring potential changes to the Unified Development Ordinance, which will update zoning laws and address issues such as rental caps, tax requirements, and neighborhood impacts. Aiken’s planning department has highlighted concerns that unchecked short-term rentals could reduce long-term housing stock and alter neighborhood character.

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Trying to keep up with the main players in the STR game? Know your councilmembers, commissioners, committee chairs, and key staff that are part of the process.

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Covington, GA

Covington's City Council did a reversal on April 6, unanimously voting to move forward with a text amendment to the city's short-term rental ordinance after initially rejecting the idea in March.

Mayor Fleeta Baggett is pushing for changes that would prevent STR owners from allowing their properties to be used for parties, pop-up events, photo shoots, meet-and-greets, and other commercial activities — a concern that was partly triggered by a planned "meet-the-star" event at a local rental charging $1,800 for a 12-minute session.

Hoboken, NJ

Hoboken officials are set to introduce new regulations on short-term rentals, driven by World Cup-related demand and growing concerns about housing availability.

City Councilman Joe Quintero plans to introduce an ordinance on April 22 that will address issues like rent-controlled properties being used as short-term rentals. The city may also impose a tax on short-term rental stays, similar to the state hotel tax, to boost local revenues.

Cornelia, GA

The Cornelia City Commission is set to hold a public hearing Tuesday night, April 14 at 6 p.m. to discuss whether short-term vacation rentals should be allowed within city limits.

Public Notice of Meeting / Short Term Rentals

Item: To gather input from the residents of Cornelia regarding Short Term Vacation Rentals The Cornelia City Commission will hold a Public Hearing to gather input from the residents regarding the potential of allowing Short Term Vacation Rentals in the city. The hearing will take place in the Cornelia Municipal Courtroom located at 181 Larkin […]

City of Cornelia

Currently, they're not permitted under existing ordinances, and any changes would require a zoning code amendment. Commissioners will hear public input on the matter before deciding on a path forward.

Palmyra, NY

Palmyra police responded to an out-of-control gathering at a short-term rental on East Charlotte Avenue on April 9, where a home rented for roughly 15 guests had nearly doubled in occupancy, leading to a tense standoff when several attendees refused to leave and threatened to damage the property.

Large gathering at Palmyra short-term rental prompts police response | Fingerlakes1.com

A disturbance at a short-term rental in Palmyra drew a multi-agency police response after a gathering grew far beyond what was authorized, prompting concerns about potential property damage. Palmyra police said officers were dispatched April 9 to a residence on East Charlotte Avenue, where a home rented for about 15 people had swelled to nearly… MoreLarge gathering at Palmyra short-term rental prompts police response

Fingerlakes1.comStaff Report

The situation prompted a multi-agency response involving the Macedon Police Department and New York State Police, though all parties dispersed once officers arrived and no damage was reported. The property owner had no knowledge the crowd had exceeded the agreed-upon limit, and authorities took the opportunity to remind STR hosts to enforce occupancy caps, stay informed about activity at their properties, and reach out to law enforcement early when issues arise.

Benton Harbor, MI

Benton Harbor has put a pause on all new short-term rental applications after the city's planning commission found that existing ordinances and the 2023 master plan don't provide enough clear language to properly regulate STRs.

Commissioner Ambie Bell proposed the moratorium to allow time for clearer guidelines to be written, with the discussion set to continue at the next commissioner meeting on May 5th. The eight to ten existing short-term rentals in the city will be grandfathered in under the current motion while officials work out a more defined regulatory framework.

Viroqua, WI

Viroqua is working toward a new short-term rental ordinance as part of its comprehensive plan rewrite, with the Housing Advisory Board tentatively agreeing on a citywide cap of 60 STR permits and a limit of 210 rental days per year for stays under seven days.

Viroqua boards weigh new tools for housing as city rewrites its long range plan – VernonReporter

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The board also voted to raise the annual permit fee to $500, with funds earmarked for administration and a housing revolving fund to offset the loss of units from the long-term rental market.

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