BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham City Council President Darrell O’Quinn said regulating short-term rentals like Airbnb has been a goal of city leaders for several years. They are now making progress in developing a new plan, with O’Quinn stressing the need for faster action, especially in light of recent incidents like the College Hills shooting.

The August 10 shooting on 5th Street West lasted about 10 minutes, according to a neighbor in College Hills, and left bullet holes in surrounding cars and homes, including the homes of two elderly women. O’Quinn expressed sympathy for the neighbors affected and stressed that this is a reminder that the city needs to regulate short-term rentals more. He mentioned that the city is working with the city attorney, the Citizens Advisory Board and the Planning and Permitting Board to address this issue. O’Quinn acknowledged that while some short-term rental owners have responsibility, it is the irresponsible ones that are causing problems.

“There are people who do this well and who do this responsibly as far as their communities and their neighbors are concerned,” O’Quinn said. “It’s the people who are not responsible and don’t properly screen their guests, allow them to have parties and engage in other illegal activities.”

O’Quinn mentioned that the new plan should be ready by September.

A spokesperson for Airbnb said they condemn the behavior and are ready to assist Birmingham police with further investigations.

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