Springfield Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Springfield, Missouri?

In Springfield, Missouri, the regulations for short-term rentals (such as Airbnb and VRBO) are outlined in the city's zoning ordinance. A short-term rental is defined as the rental of an entire dwelling or any portion thereof for a period of not more than 30 days, where the owner is engaged in a contract for the rental of that specific dwelling or any portion thereof.

These rentals are further categorized as Type 1, 2, or 3, depending on the zoning district of the property and whether it is owner-occupied.To start a short-term rental business in Springfield, you will need to obtain a short-term rental business license. There are three types of licenses, and Type 2 rentals require a special permit. The licensing fees are based on gross receipts and typically range from $25 to $100 per year, with the Type 2 special permit requiring an initial fee of $350.

All types of short-term rentals must apply for a business license and meet specific requirements. Type 2 rentals have a 30-day grace period from density restrictions. Additionally, hosts are required to collect and remit sales tax and transient guest tax.While there are no statewide regulations for short-term rentals in Missouri, the city of Springfield strictly enforces its rules and regulations, with a complaint-based enforcement system.

The city has also recently approved regulations and definitions for short-term rental properties, indicating a commitment to upholding these regulations.To apply for a short-term rental Type 2 permit in Springfield, applicants are required to hold a neighborhood meeting and invite property owners within 500 feet of the property, as well as the officers of any registered neighborhood association on file with the city.

In summary, Springfield, Missouri, has specific and enforced regulations for short-term rentals, and individuals looking to engage in this type of business must adhere to the city's requirements and procedures.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Springfield

To start a short-term rental business in Springfield, Missouri, you must adhere to the city's regulations and licensing requirements. The city defines short-term rentals as the rental of an entire dwelling or any portion thereof for a period of not more than 30 days, categorized as Type 1, 2, or 3, depending on the zoning district of the property and whether it is owner-occupied4. If you plan to operate a Type 2 short-term rental, you will need to apply for a permit and hold a neighborhood meeting, inviting the surrounding neighborhood and any registered neighborhood organizations1.

All types of short-term rentals require a business license and must meet specific requirements4. Additionally, hosts are required to collect and remit sales tax and transient guest tax4. The city has been looking to enhance enforcement of short-term rental laws, particularly for unlicensed rentals, to ensure fair competition and compliance with regulations2.The process of starting a short-term rental business in Springfield involves several steps:

• Check Zoning Ordinance: Ensure that your property is eligible for short-term rentals based on the city's Zoning Ordinance4.
• Apply for License and Permit: Apply for a short-term rental business license and, if applicable, a Type 2 permit, by submitting the necessary application and paying the required fees14.
• Hold Neighborhood Meeting: If applying for a Type 2 permit, hold a neighborhood meeting as part of the application process, inviting the surrounding neighborhood and registered neighborhood organizations1.
• Tax Compliance: Understand and comply with the sales tax and transient guest tax requirements for short-term rentals in Springfield4.

For more information about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Springfield, you can contact the city's Planning and Development Department at (417) 864-1611 or via email at planning@springfieldmo.gov1.The city's efforts to regulate and enforce short-term rental laws aim to maintain the character and quality of life in Springfield neighborhoods4. While some hosts have expressed frustration with unlicensed counterparts, those who have undergone the required processes to obtain their licenses have continued to operate their rentals in compliance with the regulations2.

In summary, starting a short-term rental business in Springfield involves obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, complying with tax requirements, and, if applicable, holding a neighborhood meeting as part of the application process. By following these steps and staying informed about the city's regulations, you can establish and operate a short-term rental business in compliance with Springfield's requirements.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Springfield

In Springfield, Missouri, the regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) are defined in the city's zoning ordinance. If you plan to rent your property for a period of less than 30 consecutive days, you will need a short-term rental business license. The city has three types of STR rental licenses, and Type 2 rentals require a special permit. The licensing fees are based on gross receipts, ranging from $25 to $100 per year, with an additional fee of $350 for the Type 2 special permit3.

All types of short-term rentals need to apply for a business license and meet certain requirements. Short-term rental Type 2s have a 30-day grace period from density restrictions3. The regulations also require that short-term rental properties comply with residential occupancy requirements, and Type 2 & 3 properties must obtain and continually maintain a service agent3.The city's eCode360 specifies that a copy of a driver's license or state-issued identification, as well as one other document showing residency at the residential unit for the short-term rental, are required5.The issue of unlicensed short-term rentals has been a concern in Springfield, with the city looking to up the ante of enforcement of short-term rental laws through other means2.

The city has primarily regulated the industry with complaint-based enforcement, but since Springfield voters enacted a room tax, the city is seeking to crack down on unlicensed short-term rentals2.To start a short-term rental business in Springfield, it is essential to ensure compliance with the city's regulations, obtain the necessary licenses and permits, and adhere to the residential occupancy requirements.

Required Documents for Springfield Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental (STR) in Springfield, Missouri, you need to provide specific documents. These documents are required to ensure compliance with the city's regulations and zoning ordinances. The following are the required documents for Springfield short-term rentals:

• Business License Application: This application is required for all types of short-term rentals. It includes information about the business name, operator(s) name, address, phone, and email2.
• Property Owner Information: This section requires the property owner's name, address, email, and phone number2.
• Short-Term Rental Address: The address of the short-term rental property must be provided2.
• Operator Residency: You must indicate whether the short-term rental operator resides at the residential dwelling2.
• Guest Housing: Specify whether guests are housed in a primary structure or a historic carriage house (built before January 1, 1940) 2.
• Short-Term Rental Type: Select the applicable short-term rental type from the dropdown menu2.
• Neighborhood Meeting: For Type 2 short-term rentals, you must hold a neighborhood meeting and invite property owners within 500 feet of the property and the officers of any registered neighborhood association on file with the City of Springfield3.
• Short-Term Rental Type 2 Application: This application is specifically for Type 2 short-term rentals, which are located within R-SF or R-TH zoning districts and do not require the short-term rental operator to reside at the property3.
• Short-Term Rental Type 2 Adjacent Owner Consent Affidavit: This document is required for Type 2 short-term rentals and must be signed by the property owner and the adjacent owner3.
• Fee Payment: Pay the required fee for the short-term rental license, which is based on gross receipts and typically ranges from $25 per year ($0-$10,000 in gross receipts) to $100 per year ($50,000 or more in gross receipts) 5.

By providing these documents, you can ensure that your short-term rental business in Springfield complies with the city's regulations and zoning ordinances.

Springfield Short Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental hosts in Springfield, Missouri are required to collect and remit sales tax and transient guest tax. According to the city's website1, a 2% lodging tax was approved in 1979, and an additional 2.5% was approved in 1998 to fund Jordan Valley Park and related debt service.

In 2004, an additional 0.5% tax was approved. In April 2023, Springfield voters approved a ballot measure that consolidated three existing hotel/motel taxes into one unified 5% lodging tax, which also covers short-term rentals. Prior to July 2023, short-term rentals were not taxed at all by the city of Springfield. The new tax rate applies to the entire gross receipts of anyone renting out a short-term rental, including major short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

The city estimates that there are 400-450 total short-term rentals operating in Springfield, although currently only around 265 hosts have obtained the required licenses5.The new lodging tax went into effect on July 1, 2023, and the city council voted on how the tax revenues would be spent on June 26, 2023. According to the Springfield News-Leader3, 47% of the tax revenue will go towards funding sports and arts, while the remaining 53% will be used for city services.It is important to note that unlicensed short-term rentals in Springfield are facing a crackdown2.

The city is looking to expand enforcement of short-term rental regulations, and short-term rental owners frustrated with unlicensed counterparts are experiencing a decline in occupancy rates of their short-term rentals2.

Missouri Wide Short Term Rental Rules

Missouri does not have statewide regulations for short-term rentals. However, the City of Springfield has specific regulations for short-term rentals that are found in the city's zoning ordinance. The ordinance defines a short-term rental as the rental of an entire dwelling or any portion thereof for a period of not more than 30 days, where the owner is engaged in a contract for the rental of that specific dwelling or any portion thereof. Short-term rentals are further categorized as Type 1, 2, or 3, depending on the zoning district of the property and whether it is owner-occupied.

In 2019, the City of Springfield legalized and regulated short-term rentals. However, many owners have flown under the city government’s radar by never acquiring a short-term rental license. The city has primarily regulated the industry with complaint-based enforcement. However, since Springfield voters enacted a room tax, which consolidated three lodging taxes and added short-term rentals, the city is looking to up the ante of enforcement of short-term rental laws through other means3.

Short-term rental hosts in Springfield are required to collect and remit sales tax and transient guest tax. The city has a 2% lodging tax that was approved in 1979, and a 2.5% additional tax was approved in 1998, with a 0.5% additional tax approved in 2004. The proposed replacement tax would continue at the same 5% rate, but also be collected from short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBOs, etc.) 2.The issue of short-term rentals was taken up by Springfield City Council at its regular meeting in December 2023, with two on council voting against permit requests and suggesting revisiting the issue. The city enforces rules and regulations that specify minimum construction, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety1.

Overall, while Missouri does not have statewide regulations for short-term rentals, the City of Springfield has specific regulations for short-term rentals that hosts must follow. The city has been cracking down on unlicensed short-term rentals, and hosts are required to collect and remit sales tax and transient guest tax. The city council has also been revisiting the issue of short-term rentals, indicating that regulations may change in the future.

Does Springfield Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Unlicensed short-term rentals in Springfield, Missouri, have faced increased scrutiny and enforcement. While short-term rentals have been legalized and regulated in the city since 2019, many owners have operated without the required licenses, leading to a crackdown on unlicensed rentals. The city has primarily regulated the industry with complaint-based enforcement, but the recent implementation of a room tax has prompted the city to enhance its enforcement of short-term rental laws through other means1.

The proliferation of unlicensed short-term rentals has raised concerns among legally operating rental owners in Springfield, as the unlicensed competition has affected their business. As of August 2023, the city is home to 504 short-term rentals, and the issue of unlicensed rentals has become a point of contention within the local rental community1.The enforcement of regulations and the crackdown on unlicensed short-term rentals indicate that Springfield is taking a stricter stance on ensuring compliance with the established rules. This may have implications for individuals considering entering the short-term rental market in the city, as the enforcement efforts are likely to impact the overall landscape of the industry1.

In summary, the recent developments in Springfield suggest a shift towards more rigorous enforcement of short-term rental regulations, signaling a less permissive environment for unlicensed rentals. This may have significant implications for both current and prospective short-term rental operators in the city.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Springfield?

Starting a short-term rental business in Springfield, Missouri, involves several key steps. Here's a straightforward guide to help you get started:

• Determine the type of rental you want to operate: Springfield has three categories of short-term rentals: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Type 1 is an owner-occupied residence rented out less than 95 days per year, Type 2 is a non-owner-occupied residence with no night limits, and Type 3 is an accessory dwelling rented out with no night limits2.
• Apply for a business license: The license costs $25-$350 depending on projected gross rental receipts2. You can apply for a business license through the city of Springfield's eCity platform3.
• Review the city ordinances: Familiarize yourself with the zoning and occupancy requirements for short-term rentals in Springfield. Single-family homes and historic carriage houses in R-SF and R-TH residential districts typically qualify for short-term rentals2.
• Market and manage your rental: List your property on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Enforce rental contracts, collect payment, clean between guests, respond to reviews, and maintain your calendar. Consider hiring a professional management company to handle these tasks2.
• Obtain necessary permits: For Type 2 short-term rentals, you'll need to hold a neighborhood meeting and invite the property owners within 500 feet of the property and any registered neighborhood associations1.
• Ensure compliance: Springfield enforces rules and regulations that specify minimum construction, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety. Make sure your property meets these requirements5.

Who to Contact About Short Term Rental Regulations?

Contact the Springfield Planning and Development Department at 417-864-1031 for short term rental zoning questions.Contact the Springfield Finance Department at 417-864-1620 for licensing and tax questions.

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

Airbnb and short-term rental (STR) regulations in Springfield, Missouri are important considerations for investors and hosts looking to start a short-term rental property. The city has a three-tiered structure for different types of STR properties, providing flexibility while enacting common-sense regulations.

Type 2 and 3 rentals require a special permit, and all types of STRs need to apply for a business license and meet specific requirements. The regulations may seem friendly overall, but there are several important factors to consider, such as licensing fees, occupancy limits, parking, and trash policies124.While the city has legalized and regulated short-term rentals since 2019, there have been instances of unlicensed STRs saturating the market, leading to a crackdown on unlicensed counterparts. The city is looking to up the ante of enforcement of short-term rental laws through other means, and the enforcement of regulations is becoming more stringent5.

Overall, the opinions of Airbnb hosts in Springfield regarding local regulations are mixed. Some legally operating rental owners have expressed frustration over unlicensed counterparts impacting their business, while others have found the regulations to be reasonable and have undergone the required processes to obtain their licenses5.