Executive Summary
Illinois House Bill 5776 would put a 4% statewide excise tax on stays under 30 days, with platforms doing $100,000 or more in annual Illinois bookings collecting it from guests and routing the money to a new Community Land Trust Fund for affordable housing, starting January 1, 2027 if passed. Charlottesville, Virginia is weighing tougher updates to its 2015 rules — stricter proof of the existing 185-day-a-year owner-residency requirement and a switch from a $100 annual permit to a $500 three-year permit, with a new Granicus tracking system already in place citywide. Bakersfield City Council was set to hold the first reading of a proposed ordinance on May 27 that would require a one-year city permit and business tax certificate for the city's estimated 500+ STRs, none of which are currently authorized to operate. Teller County, Colorado plans to release its draft STR ordinance in late May or early June, with multiple public hearings before adoption. North of the border, Gibsons, British Columbia kept its 35-licence cap and switched to a renewal-based system on May 5 — current holders can renew indefinitely while staying compliant, and new licences open only when an existing one is given up.
New Regulations
Gibsons, British Columbia, Canada
Licensing (distribution policy) · Published May 24, 2026
The Town of Gibsons approved a renewal-based STR licence policy at a May 5 special meeting, letting current holders renew annually as long as they stay compliant, replacing the previous annual reallocation system. The 35-licence cap stays in place, with new licences only opening when an existing one is relinquished or revoked and distributed via a first-come waitlist.
→ Source: Gibsons STR licences stay with existing operators
Developing Regulations
Illinois (statewide)
Tax · Published May 18, 2026
Illinois House Bill 5776 would add a 4% statewide excise tax on stays under 30 days, paid by guests as a separate line item and collected by booking platforms processing at least $100,000 in annual Illinois STR bookings. Revenue would fund a new Community Land Trust Fund for affordable housing, with collections starting January 1, 2027 if the bill passes; the proposal does not change zoning or local licensing.
→ Source: Illinois bill would add new tax to Airbnb-style rentals, fund affordable housing
Charlottesville, Virginia
Licensing / occupancy · Published May 19, 2026
Charlottesville City Council is weighing updates to its 2015 STR rules, which require owners in residential zones to live in the property at least 185 days a year, prove ownership and residence, and pay a $100 annual permit. Neighborhood Development Services proposed stricter occupancy proof and a $500 three-year permit, backed by a new Granicus tracking system already rolled out citywide.
→ Source: City Council presents on short-term rental rule changes after graduation weekend
Bakersfield, California
General (licensing, occupancy, zoning) · Published May 25, 2026
Bakersfield City Council was scheduled to hold the first reading of a proposed STR ordinance on May 27, after the Planning Commission approved it on May 7. The draft would require both a city permit (valid one year, renewable if the owner avoids two or more citations) and a business tax certificate, plus rules on occupancy, noise, parking, trash, and nighttime pool use across the city's estimated 500+ STRs, which currently operate without authorization.
→ Source: Bakersfield City Council to hold first reading of short-term rental ordinance Wednesday
Teller County, Colorado
General (formation) · Published May 22, 2026
Teller County commissioners are finalizing a draft STR ordinance expected to be released in late May or early June 2026, framed around preserving neighborhood character and ensuring resident and visitor safety. Multiple public hearings are planned before adoption, giving residents more chances to weigh in on the regulations.