Columbia City Council voted on July 21 to deny a conditional use permit for a non‑owner-occupied short‑term rental at 3407 Goldenwood Drive, citing neighborhood opposition and proximity to an existing licensed short‑term rental nearby.

Planning staff told the council the applicant sought to operate the three‑bedroom home for up to 210 nights annually with a maximum of six transient guests. The property had been used as a short‑term rental in 2024 (103 nights) before the city’s licensing rules took effect; the owner has paused rentals pending the council decision.

Staff noted there is an already-registered short‑term rental at 3411 Goldenwood Drive two lots away; the ordinance’s 300‑foot proximity factor is advisory but was a factor for the planning commission. The planning commission recommended denial (vote reported as 3–6). The council vote failed (majority voted “no”); recorded votes were No: Sheila Carroll, Valerie Sample, Nick Foster, Miss Buffalo; Yes: Don Waterman.

Public comment at the meeting included the West Ash Neighborhood Association representative Laura Mitchell, who urged strict enforcement of the short‑term rental regulations passed by the council in 2024. Mitchell said the association tracked rentals and estimated “40% of the short term rentals — Airbnb, VRBO — were in the First Ward” and warned that early modifications to the new rules would weaken enforcement.

Councilmembers who opposed the permit cited the ordinance criteria used to assess overconcentration and neighborhood support. Councilmember Valerie Sample said the application faced “two strikes” (the proximity issue and active neighbor opposition) and that, without neighborhood support, approval was not appropriate. The staff report also noted the homeowners association had informed the owner the proposed rental violated HOA covenants; the city does not enforce private covenants.

The short‑term rental regulations require a local designated agent and compliance with parking, occupancy and business‑license requirements; in this case the owner is out of state and the designated agent is within city response distance. The applicant may pursue administrative remedies available under the short‑term rental ordinance but may not operate the property as an STR without a certificate.