Does your state limit what cities can regulate? Browse ADU and short-term rental preemption laws for all 51 U.S. jurisdictions.
Accessory dwelling unit laws — which states override local restrictions?
51 jurisdictions coveredVacation rental regulations — which states set the floor for cities?
51 jurisdictions coveredState preemption occurs when a state law overrides local government ordinances in a specific area. In land use, preemption means a city or county cannot adopt zoning rules that are more restrictive than the state standard. If a city tries to prohibit something the state law permits, the state law wins.
States vary widely in how they use preemption in housing law. Some states have enacted legislation that prohibits local governments from blocking certain types of housing development — most notably accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and short-term rental operations. Other states have limited preemption, leaving local governments broad authority to regulate land use within their jurisdictions, subject to state constitutional and statutory limits.