New Airbnb Rules in Columbia Aim to Balance Growth and Zoning Concerns

Issue #410

April 16, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy with high of 69 & low of 47

📰 New Airbnb Rules in Columbia Aim to Balance Growth and Zoning Concerns

⚽️ City of Columbia Proclaims April 14, 2025 as Abigale Alexander #3 Day

📌 Saturday: Learn About “Hidden Figures of Maury County” at The Maury County Archives

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

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Wednesday, April 16th

Thursday, April 17th

Friday, April 18th

Saturday, April 19th

Sunday, April 20th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

New Airbnb Rules in Columbia Aim to Balance Growth and Zoning Concerns

The Columbia City Council has officially updated its ordinance on short-term rentals (STRs), a move that has sparked debate among property owners, residents, and city leaders alike. The changes were finalized during the council’s April 10 meeting, following months of discussion and public input.

Previously, STRs—such as Airbnb-style properties—were only permitted in certain commercial zoning districts (CD-4, CD-4c, and CD-5) and were required to be owner-occupied. The newly approved ordinance removes the owner-occupancy requirement while maintaining the same zoning restrictions.

The original STR regulations were enacted in 2022. Under both the original and amended ordinances, any STR operating outside the allowed zones but in existence before the 2022 rule change may continue to operate if it maintains proper licensing. The latest update reiterates that these existing operators will remain “grandfathered in” so long as they secure updated permits by December 31, 2025.

The council acknowledged that STRs offer clear benefits, including alternative lodging for visitors and increased tourism-driven revenue. However, concerns remain, especially from operators whose properties fall in CD-2 and CD-3 zones, which are not included in the updated allowance. Some residents warned that limiting where STRs can operate could have unintended economic consequences, such as reducing jobs related to property maintenance and cleaning services.

Despite differing views, the council emphasized that this ordinance could be revised in the future, and that the current changes are part of a gradual approach to managing growth and preserving neighborhood character.

City of Columbia Proclaims April 14, 2025 as Abigale Alexander #3 Day

From City of Columbia, TN - Government’s post…

The City of Columbia has officially proclaimed April 14, 2025 as Abigale Alexander #3 Day! 

Abigale Alexander, a standout player for the Columbia State Community College Women’s Soccer Team, is being honored for her incredible achievements both on and off the field. She made history as the first CSCC athlete to be named NJCAA 1st Team All-American, and also earned honors including Region 7 Player of the Year, NSCAA All-Region, First Team All-Conference, and TCCAA Conference Player of the Week.

Abigale played in 30 of 35 games, scoring 19 goals and earning 6 assists — ranking second all-time in career goals at CSCC. She also served as team captain and made the Dean’s List during her freshman year, showing her dedication to both academics and athletics.

The City of Columbia is proud to recognize her outstanding contributions and encourages all citizens to join in celebrating her success.

Saturday: Learn About “Hidden Figures of Maury County” at The Maury County Archives 

This Saturday, The African American Heritage Society of Maury County will continue the series, “Hidden Figures of Maury County,” featuring African American men and women who were born in Maury County or called Maury County home and contributed to community-building or played major roles in events that had an impact in this city, county, state, or country.

Maury County Archivist, Michelle Cannon, will discuss the “Life and Legacy of John Brown, the Barber.” Brown, an entrepreneur, was born in Virginia in 1809 and by 1850, he was a free man living Maury County, Columbia, with his wife Caroline.

John Brown’s story is an interesting one, sad and lonely at times, but full of ambition and determination. He wanted to succeed, and he did!

Prior to emancipation, African Americans, both enslaved and free, demonstrated a strong enterprising spirit. They mastered trades such as blacksmithing, barbering, painting, plastering, and chairmaking, and accumulated property worth up to $10,000.

When: Saturday, April 19th at 10:00 AM
Where: Maury County Archives - 201 E. 6th St., Columbia

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Wednesday, April 16th

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, April 17th

Darin & Brooke Aldridge - Swanky Southern Nights LIVE, The Mulehouse, 6:30 PM
Troy Catellano, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Beatles 4 Sale, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Friday, April 18th

Cole Ritter Band, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Heather Rae, Grinder’s Switch, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Rett Stocstill, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Rayla Ray, The Boondox, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, April 19th

Brunch With Miles Damaso Group, Puckett’s, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Courtyard Jazz & Cigars, The Mulehouse, 2:45 PM 
Gospel Jam, Pleasant Mt. Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 5:00 PM
Music on the Ridge, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
The Nature Project, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Hobo Cane, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Scotty Morton, The Boondox, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, April 20th

Music on the Ridge, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM

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