Columbia begins enforcing new short-term rental rules
Mitchell Kaminski
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Just four days after short-term rentals in Columbia had to start complying with an ordinance put into place earlier this year, the Planning and Zoning Commission is set to hold five public hearings on short-term rental applications.
The ordinance was approved by the City Council, which added several amendments before passing the measure last July. Property owners had to comply by June 1.
Since taking effect in February, Columbia has received 75 short-term rental applications, with five being withdrawn, according to Development Services manager Patrick Zenner.
Under the ordinance, short-term rental owners must obtain a business license and a certificate of compliance. Depending on the type and location of the rental, some owners may also be required to apply for a conditional use permit. Additionally, all owners are responsible for paying the applicable nightly accommodation taxes to the City of Columbia.
One family who attended Thursday night’s hearing but wished to remain anynomous due to potential pushback from neighbors, called the application process “frustrating”. The family recently moved out of Columbia and were looking to rent out their home year round, however they were also surprised to learn that all of their neighbors received mailed notices about their rental plans before the hearing.
Airbnb owners ABC 17 News spoke with last March were split on the new ordinance.
Matt Ryan — who owns four Airbnb locations in Columbia — said at the time the rules could cost the city and local businesses money.
“It’s going to force people to operate outside the city limits with these properties and force guests to go outside of Columbia instead of spending their own money here in town,” Ryan said in 2024. “People who want to visit Columbia, are going to find that difficult to find an area to accommodate a bigger family.”
However, Melissa Menard — who has owned Airbnb’s for four years, which includes a property in Columbia — told ABC 17 News in March 2024 that she was unbothered by the ordinance.
“I think it’s a good thing for the city to know how many Airbnbs there are and where they are and to be able to decide what saturation they want,” Menard said in 2024. “I also know that it’s really important that there be enough rental stock, enough affordable rental stock for people. So we’re actually scheduled to stop ours in July of 2025. That’s the end of our reservations and then we’ll make it a rental because it’s necessary for Columbia’s well-being.”
Below are additional highlights from the ordinance listed on the city’s website:
The ordinance defines three tiers of short-term rentals with maximum rental night limitations.
A dwelling unit occupied by the same individual for a period of greater than 30 consecutive days, under a signed lease, is considered a long-term rental and is not subject to the short-term rental ordinance.
Short-term rentals will have a maximum of eight occupants.
The ordinance sets a limit of one short-term rental license per owner.
Short-term rentals will require registration and inspection.
A designated agent, located within Boone County, shall be available to respond to complaints 24 hours a day, seven days a week when the operator is not available.
Short-term rentals must have the following information posted in the unit:
Certificate of compliance
Contact information for the registrant, owner and that of the designated agent representing the dwelling unit in the absence of the registrant.
Contact information for emergency services and the City’s Community Development department.
Occupancy limit as stated on certificate of short-term rental compliance.
An emergency evacuation route map
If a property has an accessory dwelling unit, only one dwelling can be used for a short-term rental.
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