News You Can Use – March 5, 2026 – TOP STORY: Memphis City Council to step in after repeated STR violence

1) TOP STORY: Memphis, TN — Council Pushes Stricter Rules Following Shootings

Following a series of violent incidents, including a fatal shooting that led a grieving mother to call for a crackdown on "party houses," the Memphis City Council is moving toward more aggressive regulation of short-term rentals. Neighbors are demanding immediate action after repeated violence at properties identified as unmanaged event spaces. Council members are now seeking answers on how to effectively enforce safety protocols and guest vetting to prevent further tragedies. Links: – Action News 5 (Video) – Fox 13 Memphis – Daily Memphian

2) Columbia, SC — Moratorium Lifted with New Zoning Rules

The Columbia City Council has officially repealed its moratorium on new short-term rentals, replacing the pause with a permanent regulatory framework. The new rules introduce specific zoning requirements and a licensing system designed to manage rental density while allowing the market to reopen to compliant operators. Links: – WLTX (Article) – WIS TV

3) Green Bay, WI — Common Council Approves New Ordinance

The Green Bay Common Council has approved significant amendments to its short-term rental laws, including a new online map for neighborhood transparency. The updated ordinance mandates that property owners post house rules and obtain clear permits, while city officials move forward with plans for a "DORA" (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) to bolster local tourism. Links: – NBC 26 – Green Bay Press-Gazette

4) Portland, OR — Ombudsman Urges Penalty Reform

A city investigation has discovered "cracks" in Portland's short-term rental enforcement system, leading the city ombudsman to urge a relaxation of penalties for certain operators. The call for reform comes after a massive $100,000 fine against one operator sparked a public debate over whether the current fine structure is excessive for minor compliance issues. Links: – KGW (Video) – OregonLive

5) Michigan — Benson Proposes Rental Tax and Private Equity Ban

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has proposed a new statewide tax on short-term rentals alongside a 100-day ban on private equity firms purchasing residential homes. The ambitious proposal aims to stabilize the housing market and ensure that local residents are not priced out by commercial investment activity. Links: – MLive

6) Folly Beach, SC — Court Upholds Permit Cap

In a victory for city officials, a court has upheld Folly Beach's policy maintaining a strict cap of 800 short-term rental permits. The ruling confirms the town's authority to limit the number of vacation rentals to preserve the character of the island community. Links: – ABC News 4

7) Arlington Heights, IL — STR Ban Approved

The Arlington Heights Village Board has voted to ban short-term rentals, though officials hinted the policy could be revisited if the Chicago Bears proceed with a move to the town. For now, the ban is intended to prevent residential neighborhoods from becoming hubs for transient lodging. Links: – Daily Herald

8) Solvang, CA — New Restrictions for Suburban Zones

The city of Solvang is considering a plan to stop new short-term rentals from operating in suburban neighborhoods. The proposal seeks to keep vacation rentals concentrated in commercial and tourist-heavy districts to protect quiet residential areas. Links: – Santa Maria Sun

9) Highland Park, IL — Further Guardrails Proposed

Citing ongoing enforcement challenges, Highland Park officials are looking to add further "guardrails" to the city's short-term rental ordinance. The proposed updates focus on strengthening noise and parking regulations to better address neighbor complaints. Links: – The Record North Shore

10) Rochester, NY — Residents Push for Registry After Shooting

Following a recent shooting on Lake Avenue, local advocates are urging Rochester lawmakers to reconsider a mandatory short-term rental registry. Residents argue that a formal tracking system is necessary to hold property owners accountable for the safety of their guests and the surrounding community. Links: – RochesterFirst

11) Laconia, NH — Planning Board Recommends Limits

After a public hearing, the Laconia Planning Board has officially recommended limiting short-term rentals in certain districts. The recommendation moves the city closer to a final vote on restrictions aimed at protecting long-term housing stock. Links: – Laconia Daily Sun

12) Worcester County, MD — Parking Rule Delayed

Worcester County Commissioners have delayed a vote on a proposed short-term rental parking rule following a heated public hearing. Property owners argued the rule was too restrictive, leading officials to seek further compromise before finalizing the ordinance. Links: – WBOC

13) Faribault, MN — Fees and Fines Approved

The city of Faribault has approved new ordinances establishing late fees for short-term rental registrations. Officials are also finalizing a new licensing fee structure to cover the administrative costs of the city's oversight program. Links: – Southern Minn

14) Cleveland, OH — Council Considers New Legislation

The Cleveland City Council is reviewing a new set of rules for short-term rentals aimed at registration and safety compliance. The legislation follows growing concerns about the impact of platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo on the city's neighborhood stability. Links: – Signal Cleveland

15) Thousand Palms, CA — Moratorium Extended

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors has extended the moratorium on new short-term rental allowances in the Thousand Palms area. The extension gives the county more time to study the local impact of vacation rentals before allowing new permits to be issued. Links: – MyNewsLA

16) Adamstown Borough, PA — New Ordinance Approved

Borough Council members have voted to approve a new ordinance regulating short-term rentals within Adamstown. The rules establish a licensing framework and mandate that all hosts meet specific operational and safety standards. Links: – Lancaster Online

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