Daily Regulatory Notes 03/17/2026

Bowling Green, KY

Leaders in Bowling Green are taking a closer look at short-term rentals following complaints from residents about their impact on neighborhoods.

City officials estimate around 100 properties are currently listed on vacation rental platforms even though the city has no specific rules governing them. Council members have raised concerns about rapid guest turnover and whether these rentals should be treated as commercial operations subject to hotel taxes. The issue will be examined further in upcoming committee meetings.

Lafayette, LA

A federal judge has upheld a short-term rental ban in Lafayette after dismissing a lawsuit challenging the ordinance.

Judge dismisses federal lawsuit over Lafayette short-term rental ban

A lawsuit challenging the Lafayette Consolidated Government’s ban on short-term rentals in residential zones as unconstutional has been dismissed.

Yahoo NewsScott Yoshonis

The case argued that the city’s 2023 rule prohibiting rentals like Airbnb in single-family residential zones was unconstitutional. The court ruled that land-use regulations are primarily the responsibility of local governments, reinforcing the city’s authority to regulate housing through zoning. The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice, effectively ending the challenge.

Effingham, IL

The Plan Commission in Effingham has recommended updates to the city’s short-term rental regulations following discussions about unpermitted properties operating in restricted zones.

Proposed amendments include expanding where rentals may be allowed, requiring more detailed application plans, and setting an eight-guest occupancy limit. Commissioners suggested a middle-ground approach that would permit a small number of rentals in selected residential districts with caps on licenses. The City Council is expected to review the recommendation on April 7.

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Preble, NY

Leaders in Preble plan to revise the town’s zoning code after a previous effort to ban short-term rentals was overturned in court.

Residents have continued raising concerns about the presence of vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods. Town officials say the zoning update will help clarify rules and address the issue more effectively moving forward.

Simi Valley, CA

The Simi Valley Planning Commission voted 4–0 to recommend a citywide ban on short-term rentals after a packed public hearing dominated by resident opposition.

Commissioners rejected a proposed ordinance that would have regulated rentals with permits, occupancy limits, insurance requirements, and nuisance response rules, citing enforcement challenges, neighborhood impacts, and program costs that could exceed projected tax revenue. The recommendation now goes to the Simi Valley City Council for a final decision, with some officials suggesting a community survey to gauge broader public opinion before action is taken.

Johnson County, MO

Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved new regulations for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas of the county ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Beginning April 1, property owners renting stays of fewer than 30 nights must obtain a $150 annual permit and designate a 24/7 local contact, while also complying with rules on parking, guest limits, trash disposal, and quiet hours.

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