Overview
- Birmingham’s city commission, which voted Monday after hours of public comment, approved a 180-day pause on issuing new short-term rental licenses.
- The pause applies only to new permits for stays under 30 days, and existing rentals can continue as officials develop rules through the planning commission.
- City leaders rejected an immediate ban after the city attorney warned the current code lacks clear enforcement language and court challenges have hit nearby cities.
- The action follows an April 11 shooting at an Airbnb on East Lincoln Street where police say three 18-year-olds drove to the home and fired dozens of rounds into it, striking nearby houses and cars but injuring no one.
- Prosecutors have charged the three 18-year-olds, including assault with intent to murder, and Airbnb says it removed the listing, host, and booking guest as police step up patrols and code officers monitor properties while neighbors press for stricter limits or a ban.