Short-Term Rentals: Daily Notes | September 24, 2026

WEST COLUMBIA, SC

A $150 annual permit, a two-night minimum and a 21-and-older renter rule take effect October 7, 2026 after City Council voted to set new zoning requirements for short-term rentals. Occupancy is capped at two per bedroom and each bedroom needs an off-street parking space.

Visitors are barred from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and renters cannot live within 25 miles as the city ends a license freeze adopted after Columbia tightened its rules. Violations not fixed in 90 days bring a $100 fine and possible revocation.

SHELL LAKE, WI

A 10-guest ceiling stays in place for Shell Lake's Airbnbs and VRBOs after City Council voted unanimously to keep its short-term rental ordinance as is on September 14, 2026. The 2023 rule allows two guests per bedroom plus two no matter how large the home.

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City of Shell Lake

Owner Jeremy Beecroft asked for two per bedroom plus four so his seven-bedroom rental could host up to 18 guests after the General Administration Committee took up the request on September 8, 2026. A former council member argued the current ordinance works as Mayor Rowie Hansberger's council declined any change.

WASHINGTON, DC

Short-term rental guests who stay past their contract would be treated as trespassers under Bill 26-757, the Illegal Occupancy Enforcement Amendment Act of 2026 which faces a public hearing on September 24, 2026. Chairman Phil Mendelson introduced it in July 2026 at Mayor Muriel Bowser's request.

The bill gives police clearer authority when officers cannot tell tenants from guests or squatters, a gap exposed when homeowner Rochanne Douglas struggled to remove an overstaying guest and later sold her home. Councilmember Brooke Pinto said officers must know the law and be trained to enforce it as the city anticipates about 5,100 rentals.

MAUI COUNTY, HI

Only five of 48 properties should escape Maui's apartment vacation rental phaseout after the Planning Commission voted 6-2 to recommend denying exemptions for 43 properties. The five approved for hotel zoning cover 397 units led by Hale Kaanapali while Kamaole Sands, Wailea, Papakea and Luana Kai were rejected.

Commissioners Keaka Kamai and Josh Circle-Woodburn dissented after about five hours of testimony. Bill 9 ends roughly 6,100 apartment-zoned rentals by December 31, 2028 in West Maui and December 31, 2030 in South Maui so owners now look to County Council which can override the commission with a two-thirds vote.

TRUCKEE, CA

Idle short-term rental permits could lose their spot under Truckee's 1,255-certificate cap after Town Council gave direction to move forward with options for changing registration rules. About 18% of permits report zero or very low rental activity while applicants wait on a list.

Staff proposed a $500 minimum in transient occupancy tax remittance plus provisional permits in vehicle miles traveled areas for 2027-2028 and joint operator education. Visit Truckee Tahoe pushed a $1,000 threshold along with hosted rentals and provisional permits as Councilmember Courtney Henderson stressed open talks between both sides.

FOLLY BEACH, SC

The fight over Folly Beach's short-term rental limits could end at the top after City Council voted 4-3 on September 22, 2026 to consent to moving the case to the S.C. Supreme Court. Plaintiffs asked for the transfer on September 18, 2026.

Circuit Judge Thomas Rode ruled the registration fee unlawful in August 2026 and the city has since dropped it. The justices must still certify the case which they do only for issues of significant public interest while City Administrator Aaron Pope called their ruling the final word.

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In case you missed it:

Short-Term Rentals: Daily Notes | September 23, 2026

Cities address STRs. Oak Ridge North, TX adds one-year ban; Plainfield, NJ passes on third try; Southold, NY sets percentage cap; Westerly, RI eyes 90-day limit; Pittsford, NY grandfather debate; Valdosta, GA moratorium vote; Kuttawa, KY; Glenwood Springs, CO; Texas; Isle, MN. READ MORE.

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Short-Term Rentals: Daily Notes | September 22, 2026

Cities address STRs. Chatham County, GA sets licensing vote; New London, CT revisits rules; Shaftsbury, VT weighs $150 fee; Keweenaw County, MI plans permits; Buena Vista, CO; Paradise Township, PA; East Lyme, CT; Folly Beach, SC; Mesa County, CO; Indianapolis, IN. READ MORE.

Strisker - Short-term rental and data center regulationsJas Albatana

Short-Term Rentals: Daily Notes | September 21, 2026

Cities address STRs. Dexter Township, MI tightens B&B rules; Alameda, CA limits to primary homes; Rockport, ME ballot set; Waitsfield, VT registry proposed; Townsend, TN R-1 ban drafted; Norfolk, VA 300-foot buffer; Skokie, IL fees stall; Bayonne, NJ; Fresno County, CA; Summerville, SC. READ MORE.

Strisker - Short-term rental and data center regulationsJas Albatana

Strisker Government Officials Dashboard

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

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