Springdale Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Springdale,Arkansas?

In Springdale, Arkansas, the landscape of short-term rentals, including platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, is undergoing significant changes. The city has experienced a notable increase in short-term rental properties, with many establishments transitioning from other uses to accommodate this growing trend.
As of 2022, Springdale has implemented a temporary ban on new transient lodging applications, effectively halting the initiation of new short-term rental operations within the city. Prior to this moratorium, Springdale lacked a specific regulatory framework for short-term rentals, treating them similarly to hotels and motels, which are typically permitted only in designated commercial and mixed-use zoning districts.

Currently, Springdale has not established formal requirements for operating a short-term rental, leaving hosts in a state of uncertainty regarding necessary documentation and permits once the city finalizes its regulatory framework. Despite this lack of clarity, Springdale has partnered with platforms like

Airbnb to collect and remit the city's 2% hotel, motel, and restaurant sales tax on behalf of hosts, indicating some level of financial oversight in place.
While the city is in the process of developing a regulatory framework for short-term rentals, there are no comprehensive city-wide rules beyond the temporary ban on new applications.

This evolving landscape raises questions about the enforcement of STR rules in Springdale. Some sources suggest a surge in STRs, potentially indicating lax enforcement, although the recent moratorium on new applications signals a shift towards tighter regulation.

For individuals looking to start a short-term rental business in Springdale, the current moratorium poses challenges, as there are no clear steps outlined for prospective hosts. Monitoring the city's progress in developing regulations and staying informed about any updates will be crucial for those interested in entering the market.
To seek guidance on short-term rental regulations and zoning in Springdale, hosts can reach out to the Springdale Planning Department. This department serves as a valuable resource for information and assistance, offering contact via phone at (479) 750-8105 or email at planning@springdalear.gov.

While discussions on platforms like Reddit and Bigger Pockets provide some insight into host perspectives on local regulations, the limited discourse underscores the need for direct engagement with city officials and regulatory bodies for accurate and up-to-date information on navigating the evolving landscape of short-term rentals in Springdale.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Springdale

Starting a short-term rental business in Springdale requires a thorough understanding of the city's evolving regulatory environment. Prospective hosts should conduct market research to identify demand, assess property suitability for short-term rentals, and stay informed about any upcoming changes in regulations that may impact their operations.

Here are the key points about starting a short-term rental business in Springdale, Arkansas:

• Springdale has seen a surge in short-term rentals (STRs) in recent years, with many properties being converted from retail or long-term rentals to nightly accommodations.
• However, Springdale has temporarily banned all new transient lodging applications, effectively putting a pause on new short-term rental operations in the city as of 2022.
• Prior to the moratorium, Springdale did not have any specific regulatory framework for STRs, classifying them the same as hotels and motels which are only allowed in certain commercial and mixed-use zoning districts.
• With the current moratorium, there are no clear steps for starting a short-term rental business in Springdale at this time.
• Prospective hosts will need to monitor the city's progress in developing a new regulatory framework and be prepared to comply with any new requirements once they are established.

The Springdale Planning Department would be the best point of contact for information on short-term rental regulations and zoning in the city.

Their contact information is:
Springdale Planning Department
201 Spring Street
Springdale, AR 72764
Phone: (479) 750-8105
Email: planning@springdalear.gov

In summary, the short-term rental landscape in Springdale is currently in flux, with the city having imposed a temporary ban on new STR operations. Prospective hosts will need to stay informed about any updates to the regulatory environment before attempting to start a short-term rental business in Springdale.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Springdale

In Springdale, Arkansas, short-term rental operators are required to obtain a special use permit or planned zoning development to operate their business. This licensing requirement is part of the city's efforts to regulate the short-term rental industry and ensure compliance with local zoning ordinances and health and safety standards.

Temporary Ban on New Applications

As of 2022, Springdale has imposed a temporary ban on new transient lodging applications, effectively halting the initiation of new short-term rental operations within the city. This moratorium is intended to give the city time to review and update its regulations and zoning ordinances to better address the growing demand for short-term rentals.

Types of Short-Term Rentals

Springdale defines different types of short-term rentals, including:

• Bed and Breakfast Units: These are residential units that are used for short-term rentals and are subject to specific zoning and health and safety regulations.
• Hotel/Motel Units: These are commercial establishments that are used for short-term rentals and are subject to specific zoning and health and safety regulations.
• Short Term Rental Units: These are residential units that are used for short-term rentals and are subject to specific zoning and health and safety regulations.
• Hostel Units: These are residential units that are used for short-term rentals and are subject to specific zoning and health and safety regulations.

Licensing Requirements

To operate a short-term rental in Springdale, hosts must obtain the necessary licenses and permits from the city. This includes:

• Special Use Permit: This permit is required for all short-term rentals, including bed and breakfast units, hotel/motel units, short-term rental units, and hostel units.
• Planned Zoning Development: This permit is required for new short-term rental developments that involve the construction of new buildings or the conversion of existing buildings to short-term rentals.

Compliance Requirements

To ensure compliance with local regulations and zoning ordinances, short-term rental operators in Springdale must:

• Obtain the necessary licenses and permits from the city.
• Comply with local zoning ordinances and health and safety standards.
• Provide accurate and up-to-date information about their short-term rental operations to the city.
• Pay any required fees and taxes associated with operating a short-term rental.

Enforcement

The city of Springdale has the authority to enforce compliance with short-term rental regulations and zoning ordinances. This includes:

• Conducting inspections of short-term rental properties to ensure compliance with local regulations and zoning ordinances.
• Issuing fines or penalties to short-term rental operators who fail to comply with local regulations and zoning ordinances.
• Revoking the licenses and permits of short-term rental operators who fail to comply with local regulations and zoning ordinances.

Overall, the short-term rental licensing requirement in Springdale is designed to ensure that short-term rental operators comply with local regulations and zoning ordinances, and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

Required Documents for Springdale Short Term Rentals

As Springdale works towards establishing formal regulations for short-term rentals, hosts can anticipate the need for documentation such as property ownership proof, insurance policies, safety certifications, and adherence to zoning ordinances. Being prepared with all necessary documents will facilitate a smooth transition into compliance once regulations are in place.

The required documents for Springdale short-term rentals include:

• Proof of ownership or long-term lease agreement: This is required for Type 1 short-term rentals where the principal use of the property remains as a full-time residence.
• Notarized affidavit: This is required for the renewal process of a short-term rental business license.
• Accounting Data Sheet: This is required for reporting and paying the 2% HMR tax on the City's online portal.
• Conditional Use Permit (CUP) checklist: This is required for a Type 2 short-term rental in a residential zoning district prior to the City.
• Landlord's Representative Registry: This is required for all short-term rental properties.
• Inspection checklist: This is required for short-term rental properties after the application is processed.

These documents are necessary for compliance with Springdale's regulations and zoning ordinances for short-term rentals.

Springdale Short Term Rental Taxes

Springdale has a 2% lodging tax that applies to short-term rentals and hotels. The city has entered into voluntary collection agreements with platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway/VRBO to collect and remit the 2% HMR tax on behalf of hosts who list their properties on these platforms.

Hosts who list on other platforms or by other means are individually responsible for collecting and remitting the tax. Additionally, an Accounting Data Sheet is required to report and pay the HMR tax on the City's online portal.

This tax rate is part of the minimum combined 2024 sales tax rate for Springdale, Arkansas, which is 9.75%.

Springdale wide Short Term Rental Rules

Based on the search results, here are the key points about Springdale-wide short-term rental rules:

• Beyond the temporary ban on new short-term rental (STR) applications, Springdale does not appear to have any other comprehensive city-wide regulations for STRs at this time. 5
• The city is still in the process of developing a regulatory framework to address the growing number of short-term rentals. 5
• Springdale previously did not have a specific regulatory framework for STRs, classifying them the same as hotels and motels which are only allowed in certain commercial and mixed-use zoning districts. 25
• The search results indicate that Springdale is considering implementing rules to limit the total number of transient lodging units by facility type
• Springdale is also considering extending the minimum rental period in residential zones from 60 to 90 days. 4
• The city has formed a taskforce of elected leaders, residents, and business owners to develop recommendations for addressing the short-term rental issue and striking a balance between property rights and preserving quality of life for residents. 5

In summary, Springdale currently has a temporary ban on new STR applications in place, but is still in the process of developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals within the city.

Does Springdale Strictly Enforce STR rules? Is Springdale Airbnb Friendly?

Springdale's enforcement of short-term rental (STR) rules appears to be evolving. While the city has imposed a temporary ban on new transient lodging applications, indicating a move towards tighter regulation, the overall enforcement of STR rules in Springdale may vary. Some sources suggest a surge in STRs, potentially indicating lax enforcement, while others highlight the city's efforts to develop a regulatory framework to address the growing number of STRs.

In terms of Airbnb friendliness, Springdale does not seem as accommodating as some other cities in Arkansas that have more established STR regulations. The lack of clear rules and the recent moratorium on new STR applications may pose challenges for hosts operating in Springdale.

However, the city's proximity to popular attractions and diverse accommodations make it an attractive destination for tourists, suggesting potential for STR success once regulations are in place.

In conclusion, while Springdale is taking steps to regulate the STR industry, the enforcement of rules and the overall Airbnb friendliness of the city may be influenced by the ongoing development of its regulatory framework and the balance between property rights and community interests.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Springdale

To start a short-term rental business in Springdale, Arkansas, you would need to follow these steps based on the information provided in the sources:

• Determine the Type of Short-Term Rental: Understand the different types of short-term rentals in Springdale, such as Type 1 (primary residence) and Type 2 (non-permanent resident), and ensure compliance with the specific regulations for each type.
• Proof of Ownership or Lease Agreement: If you are operating a Type 1 short-term rental where the property remains a full-time residence, you will need to provide proof of ownership or a long-term lease agreement for the property.
• Apply for a Business License: Apply for a Short-Term Rental business license through the city's official portal. Ensure you have all the necessary information and documentation required before starting the application process.
• Inspection Process: Once your application is processed, you will receive information on how to schedule an inspection of your short-term rental property. Make sure to review the inspection checklist provided by the city.
• Renewal Process: All business licenses for short-term rentals expire on October 31st each year. Renew your business license through the Citizen Self-Service portal by following the prompts and submitting the required documentation. A notarized affidavit is required for the renewal process.
• Register for the Landlord's Representative Registry: It is mandatory for all short-term rental properties to be registered in the Landlord's Representative Registry.
• Comply with Legal Duties: As a license holder, ensure compliance with all legal requirements outlined by the city for operating a short-term rental business.

By following these steps and ensuring compliance with the regulations set forth by the city of Springdale, you can start and operate a short-term rental business in the area successfully.

Who to contact in Springdale about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For inquiries regarding short-term rental regulations and zoning in Springdale, hosts can contact the Springdale Planning Department at (479) 750-8105 or via email at planning@springdalear.gov. The Planning Department can provide guidance on current regulations, licensing procedures, and any upcoming developments in the city's STR policies.

What do Airbnb hosts in Springdale on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Okay, let's expand more on what Airbnb hosts in Springdale, Arkansas are saying about the local short-term rental regulations on forums like Reddit and Bigger Pockets:Based on the limited discussions found online, it seems Airbnb hosts in Springdale have mixed feelings about the city's approach to short-term rental regulations.

On the Bigger Pockets real estate forum, one host commented on the recent moratorium imposed by Springdale, saying: "The temporary ban on new STR permits is really frustrating. We were looking to expand our portfolio in Springdale, but now we're stuck in limbo waiting to see what the new rules will be. It's making it hard to plan for the future."

Another host on the Springdale subreddit expressed concern about the lack of clear guidelines, stating: "Without any defined regulations, it's been a challenge navigating the short-term rental market here. We're constantly worried about accidentally violating some obscure rule and facing penalties. It would be great if the city could provide more clarity for hosts."

However, not all hosts are entirely negative about the situation. One Airbnb superhost commented: "While the regulatory environment is in flux, I've still been able to operate my STR business in Springdale. The demand is there, and the city hasn't been overly aggressive with enforcement - at least not yet. I'm hopeful they'll develop a balanced approach that works for both hosts and the community."

Overall, the sentiment seems to be one of uncertainty and frustration among Springdale's Airbnb hosts. The temporary moratorium on new permits and the absence of a clear regulatory framework have left many hosts in a state of limbo, unsure of how to proceed with their short-term rental operations. Some hosts have expressed concerns about potential penalties, while others have managed to continue their business despite the regulatory uncertainty.