Daily Regulatory Notes 03/16/2026

Kearny, NJ

The Town Council in Kearny has expanded its short-term rental ban to cover all residential properties, including apartments and multi-family homes.

The change follows complaints from residents about noise, parties, and other neighborhood impacts tied to rentals listed on platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Violations of the new ordinance could bring escalating fines starting at $750 per day and possible jail time.

Sacramento, CA

Officials in Sacramento are considering new short-term rental regulations aimed at increasing permanent housing supply.

The proposal would require rentals to be located at a host’s primary residence and restrict multiple units on the same property, though planning commissioners recommended allowing up to four units and exempting new construction from owner-occupancy rules. The recommendations will now move to the City Council for final consideration.

Townsend, TN

Officials in Townsend are considering a six-month moratorium on new short-term rentals after discovering dozens of properties operating without a formal permit process.

Planning commissioners said the city’s ordinance requires permits for tourist residences, but no application system was ever created, leaving regulations largely unenforced. The proposed pause would give the city time to establish a licensing system and clarify zoning rules. The recommendation will be sent to the City Commission for consideration in April.

Salem, OR

Debate over short-term rental regulations is intensifying in Salem as hosts criticize high licensing costs and proposed tourism fees.

Owners say requirements such as a $7,000 conditional use permit and potential penalties for unlicensed rentals could force many operators out of business. City leaders argue the policies are needed to protect housing availability and ensure rentals meet safety standards. The City Council has advanced an ordinance to include short-term rentals in the Tourism Promotion Area fee, which funds tourism promotion.

Birmingham, AL

The City Council in Birmingham has postponed action on a long-debated short-term rental ordinance to allow more discussion on its potential impacts.

City of Birmingham Zoning Ordinance | City of Birmingham, Alabama

The current Zoning Ordinance for the City of Birmingham.

City of Birmingham, Alabama

The proposal could restrict rentals in single-family residential areas and require operators to have a nearby responsible party. The issue is expected to return for further consideration in May.

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Washington, DC

Mayor Bowser Announces New Short-Term Rental Legislation to Create More Economic Opportunities for District Residents

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) announced the introduction of the Short-Term Rental Regulation Amendment Act of 2026, a bill designed to make the District’s short-term rental laws clearer and provide additional economic opportunities for District residents looking to rent out their space&nbsp

Mayor logoShort-Term Rental Regulation Amendment Act of 2026

A new proposal in Washington could expand short-term rental opportunities by allowing renters to list their primary homes on platforms like Airbnb.

Introduced by Muriel Bowser, the legislation would also create a “special event” licensing category to accommodate surges in visitors during the upcoming America250. Property owners could also secure licenses for additional units that do not require owner occupancy.

Columbia, MO

The City Council in Columbia is set to review proposed updates to its short-term rental regulations during a March 16 work session.

The amendments stem from a 2025 staff report and could revise definitions, permitted uses and conditional-use permit requirements within the ordinance. Residents and rental operators have submitted feedback ranging from opposition to requests for clarification on the rules. No formal vote is planned, as the session is intended for discussion and further review.

Lubec, ME

The Select Board in Lubec has voted to establish a committee to develop regulations for short-term rentals amid concerns about housing availability.

Town officials say the ordinance could include registration and fee requirements similar to rules implemented in other Maine communities. The committee will now work on drafting a proposed framework for review.

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