Short-Term Rental (STR) Regulations:
The location of STRs is regulated through the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), though to operate an STR within the City of Columbia, you will also need an STR Permit and a Business License:
- STR Permit Program (Code Enforcement Division)
- Business License Division
Where can an STR be located?
The recently passed Ord. 2025-107 allows STRs in all Mixed-Use, Activity Center/Corridor & Commercial Zoning Districts, and the Employment Campus District. STRs within Residential Zoning Districts are subject to this standard:
- A short-term rental located within a residential base zoning district shall only be located upon a parcel having frontage on a street containing four through lanes and classified as a Major Arterial, Minor Arterial, or Collector in the most recent update of the City of Columbia Comprehensive Plan transportation maps.
NOTE that Ord. 2026-013, approved on March 3, 2026, permits owner-occupied dwelling units in residential zoning districts to be utilized as an STR without being subject to the 4-lane street requirement.
The maps linked below show, for illustrative purposes only, available locations that appear to meet the required standard for Short-Term Rentals within the City of Columbia: