City of Columbia launches new online platform for short-term rental registration and renewals
June 2, 2026
The City of Columbia Code Enforcement Division is launching a new cloud based platform for short term rental registration and renewals in partnership with Tolemi beginning May 20, 2026.
The updated system is designed to create a more efficient and user friendly experience for property owners and operators while continuing to support compliance with city ordinances and neighborhood standards.
The new self-service portal, powered by Slate by Tolemi, allows users to submit applications online, make payments electronically, track application status in real time, and access application history through a single platform.
All short term rental renewals are due by June 30, 2026.
Short term rentals are properties rented for fewer than 30 days at a time through services such as Airbnb and Vrbo. All short term rentals operating within Columbia city limits are required to register annually with the city.
Key features of the new platform include:
• Online application submission and real time application tracking
• Online payment options for permits and application fees
• Automatic email notifications for code enforcement cases associated with registered properties
• Permit generation and delivery by email once approved
• Automatic renewal reminders sent approximately 60 days before expiration
• Future expansion to include long term rental permits and vacant building registrations
Applications can be submitted through the new portal at:
https://slate.tolemi.com/c/
Before receiving a short term rental permit, all applicants must obtain zoning and business license approval.
Applicants may also be required to provide:
• Property ownership information
• Diagram or photo of designated parking spaces
• Local contact information
• Proof of insurance
• A valid City of Columbia business license
• Safety compliance documentation
Annual permit fees are:
• $100 per unit for owner occupied properties
• $250 per unit for non-owner occupied properties
Additional fees include:
• $50 annual application fee
• $10 zoning fee
Existing short term rental customers will automatically receive an email with instructions on how to create a login and access the new system. New applicants may begin registering through the portal beginning June 1, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
The City of Columbia’s Short Term Rental Registry serves as the official record of licensed short term rental properties operating within city limits. The registry helps the city maintain communication with operators, address neighborhood concerns, and support responsible operation of short term rentals.
Residents who experience issues related to short term rentals, including noise, parking, trash, or safety concerns, may report complaints through the City’s Code Enforcement Office.
For additional information, contact the City of Columbia Code Enforcement Office at 803-545-3430.
WHAT IS THE STR REGISTRY
Short-term rentals, properties rented for fewer than 30 days at a time through services like Airbnb and Vrbo, have grown significantly in Columbia in recent years. To make sure these properties operate safely and in line with city ordinances, the City of Columbia requires every short-term rental to register with the city. The registry is the city’s record of every licensed short-term rental, the operators behind them, and a way to track concerns from neighbors when they come up.
WHY THE CITY OPERATES IT
Short-term rentals can affect neighborhoods in different ways. Most operators are responsible and run small, well-maintained properties. A small number cause repeated problems, such as noise, parking issues, or unsafe conditions. The registry exists so the city has a current list of who is operating these rentals, can contact operators when concerns arise, and can take action when ordinances are not followed. Alerting tools within the registry also allow property owners and local agents to receive notifications whenever activity happens at their property.
WHO HAS TO REGISTER
Any property in Columbia that is rented for fewer than 30 days at a time must be registered, whether it is a whole house, an accessory dwelling unit, or a room. Registration applies across all zoning districts. Property owners renew their registration each year and pay the city’s annual fee. Specifics on fees, zoning rules, and exemptions are available on the city’s short-term rental webpage.
HOW THE CITY FINDS UNREGISTERED RENTALS
The city works with Tolemi to identify short-term rentals advertised online but not registered with the city. The process is a manual review of listings on every major short-term rental platform, cross-referenced to confirm the property address. When an unregistered property is identified, the city sends the operator a notice explaining the registration requirement and how to comply. The goal is voluntary compliance first. Enforcement actions follow only if an operator continues to ignore the requirement.
REPORTING A CONCERN
Residents who experience a problem with a short-term rental in their neighborhood, such as noise, parking, trash, or safety issues, can submit a complaint to the city’s code enforcement office. Complaints are logged against the property record and reviewed as part of the registry. Repeated complaints can affect an operator’s ability to renew their registration.
ABOUT TOLEMI
Tolemi is the technology platform the City of Columbia uses to operate the short-term rental registry. Tolemi provides the identification, registration, and tracking system; all decisions about who registers, what is required, and how the program is enforced are made by the City of Columbia. The same platform is in use across 100+ cities nationwide for property data and registration programs. Slate is Tolemi’s platform for managing registration, compliance, and inspection workflows.
