Daily Regulatory Notes 01/07/2026

Florida

A bill filed by Florida Sen. Don Gaetz (SB48) would require cities and counties to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs), aiming to standardize rules that currently vary across more than 400 municipalities.

Senate Bill 48 (2026) - The Florida Senate

The Florida Senate

Supporters argue uniform rules would make it easier for homeowners to add lower-cost housing, but critics worry ADUs could fuel short-term rentals. That same disagreement killed a similar bill last session and is likely to spark renewed debate ahead of 2026.

Columbia, SC

Columbia City Council has unanimously approved an amendment tightening where new short-term rentals can operate, ending months of debate that followed a one-year moratorium enacted after a deadly shooting at an STR in Elmwood Park.

Under the updated ordinance, new short-term rentals are limited to commercial and mixed-use zones, with a narrow exception allowing them in residential districts only if the property fronts a four-lane road.

Lawrence, KS

Lawrence city commissioners approved a temporary change lifting the cap on how many short-term rental licenses a property owner can hold to prepare for an expected influx of World Cup visitors.

The change takes effect May 25 and is set to sunset July 26, covering the tournament period. Officials also voted to allow non-owner-occupied STRs in some residential zones and directed staff to strengthen fines and penalties for violations.

El Paso, TX

El Paso city leaders are moving to formally define short-term rentals in the city code.

Supporters say the proposal would simply clarify how STRs differ from other lodging, such as bed-and-breakfasts, while existing noise, nuisance, and garbage ordinances remain unchanged. The measure is scheduled for public comment and a vote on Feb. 3.

Pittsburgh, PA

Neighbors in Pittsburgh’s East Allegheny neighborhood are again urging action after a woman was shot on New Year’s Eve near a short-term rental.

Detectives Investigate Aggravated Assault in E. Allegheny

At approximately 12:30 a.m., Zone 1 officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Constance St. in East Allegheny for a reported gunshot victim.

Pittsburgh, PA

Previous attempts to regulate STRs, including a registration requirement and a separate council proposal, have failed to take effect. Residents say the lack of enforceable rules allows problem rentals to persist across platforms.

Wyandotte County, KS

Wyandotte County is preparing for the 2026 World Cup, expected to bring 650,000 visitors to the Kansas City metro area.

Local officials discussed updates to short-term rental rules to let homeowners rent properties during the tournament. Cities across the metro, including Parkville and Kansas City, have already relaxed regulations, and KCK aims to finalize its changes by Feb. 9.

🐦 Tweet Highlights: Catch the latest discussions on X

STRisker Document Analysis

Finding the right compliance documents shouldn’t feel like searching for a needle in a haystack - STRisker’s Documents Analysis is built to simplify your life, offering instant access to hundreds of thousands of documents from thousands of cities across the US.

Create Your Watchlist - 14 Day Free Trial

In case you missed it:

Daily Regulatory Notes 01/06/2026

Cities address STRs. Hawaii halts enforcement; Macon, GA enforces new occupation tax; Camden, ME schedules meeting; Steamboat Springs, CO launches public forum series; Elmhurst, IL issues first citation; Ocean City, MD reviews enforcement. READ MORE.

STRisker - Short-term regulatory changes and newsGenelaine Urbano

🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Soldotna, AK

Soldotna Considers Sweeping STR Updates as January 14 Hearings Approach

STRisker - Short-term regulatory changes and newsCrystel

🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Madera County, CA

Short-Term Rentals in Focus as Madera County Resets Ordinance Schedule

STRisker - Short-term regulatory changes and newsCrystel

👍 We’d love your feedback.
Which stories hit? Which ones missed?

We're constantly refining Daily Notes to make it even more useful for you.

✉️ Just reply directly to this email. We read and respond to every message!

-Will McClure
🙋 P.S.
Know someone else who should be reading Daily Notes? Feel free to forward this along. We’re opening a few more spots.