ST. CHARLES, Mo.—A year-long ban on new short-term rentals in St. Charles could soon end, but stricter regulations would take its place. The St. Charles City Council is considering a plan to limit the number and location of short-term rentals, including Airbnb and VRBO properties.

“We recognize there is a place for short-term rentals,” said Zach Tusinger, St. Charles director of community development. “But we don't necessarily want a whole lot more short-term rentals.”

The proposed bill would lift an ongoing moratorium on new rentals, but cap the total number to 48— about the number of already existing short-term rentals.

If a previously established rental closes, only a short-term rental in the Historic Main Street District could take its place. Rentals would also have to be 500 feet from each other.

Previously existing rentals outside the proposed boundary would be grandfathered in. 

“It would restrict short-term rentals to where the market is driving them,” Tusinger said. “That's the extended historic preservation district…We do have a few outside those boundaries. They would become legally non-conforming.”

City Council members on Tuesday unanimously agreed to vote on the plan in the near future.