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ALTON – Alton officials this week unanimously rejected a new short-term rental as the city finalized stricter regulations on such properties.
A resolution considering a Special Use Permit to allow the operation of a Type B short-term rental unit at 409 E. 3rd Street was voted down 0-6 at the July 22, 2026 Alton City Council meeting. Alderwoman Rosie Brown was absent.
Under the Alton City Code, short-term rentals are classified as either “Type A” or “Type B.” Owners of Type A short-term rentals maintain the property as their permanent residence and reside there while guests are present. Owners of Type B short-term rentals are not required to reside permanently at the property or be present on site while the property is being used as a short-term rental.
An ordinance amending another section of the City Code was given a second reading and passed unanimously at the same City Council meeting. The amendments place new limits on the density of Type B, or “non-owner-occupied” short-term rental units within residential neighborhoods, with more details available in this previous story on Riverbender.com.
Olivia Saboff, property manager for the short-term rental, spoke in support of the Special Use Permit during public comments. She said no more than five guests would be allowed in the home at any time, adding it would remain a single-family residence with no exterior modifications or additions.
“Our goal is to provide quality temporary lodging for visitors while preserving the residential character of the neighborhood,” Saboff said. “The home’s appearance will remain consistent with neighboring properties.”
Alderman Chris Bohn said he’s spoken to several residents who are against the short-term rental operating in their neighborhood, noting it would not meet the city’s new density regulations.
“This would go against the ordinance that we’re going to pass and … the residents are against it,” Bohn said. “There’s already a short-term rental right next door to it. I would not like to see this in Ward 1.”
A full recording of the July 22, 2026 Alton City Council meeting is available at the top of this story or on Riverbender.com/video.
