🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Columbia, TN
Short-Term Rentals Face New Rules in Columbia—But Some Get to Stay
A Deep Dive into Your Area’s STR Updates — Helping You Navigate the Ever-Changing Rental Landscape.
Short-Term Rentals Face New Rules in Columbia—But Some Get to Stay
Columbia, Tennessee is the latest city to tackle the growing challenge of short-term rentals. This month, the city council passed new regulations that limit where STRs can operate in town—but there’s a silver lining for existing hosts.
Over 100 STRs that have been actively running for at least a year in Columbia neighborhoods will be grandfathered in, meaning they can continue without disruption. But for newcomers hoping to launch Airbnbs or vacation homes in residential areas? That window has now officially closed.
Under the new rules, only Columbia’s Urban Corridor District is open to future short-term rental permits. Mayor Chaz Molder said the policy strikes a much-needed balance between protecting neighborhoods and keeping tourism flowing.
“There’s a hotel shortage in Columbia,” Molder noted. “Some guests prefer an Airbnb close to downtown rather than a hotel five miles away. This plan lets us keep that option alive—just in the right places.”
The move comes as communities across Middle Tennessee wrestle with STR growth. Locals have raised concerns about noise, traffic, and neighborhood character shifting with the influx of tourists and temporary renters.
This new legislation gives Columbia more control over where STRs operate, while still encouraging economic benefits from tourism.
Bottom line:
- Existing STRs stay put
- New ones allowed only in Urban Corridor
- Goal: protect neighborhoods while filling the hotel gap
For now, Columbia joins the growing list of small cities putting structure around short-term rentals—hoping to preserve their charm without shutting the door on visitors.
STR Application : https://www.columbiatn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3584/Short-Term-Rental-Application?bidId=
STR Permit Tax : https://www.columbiatn.gov/205/HotelMotelShort-Term-Rental-Permit-Tax
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