Overview: STR Status in Bella Vista, AR

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Bella Vista, Arkansas, subject to city ordinance requirements. The City of Bella Vista has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals that was approved by City Council on July 12, 2023, and became effective immediately. The ordinance defines short-term rentals as residential dwelling units, portions of dwelling units, or bedrooms leased or rented to guests for periods of less than thirty (30) consecutive days, excluding timeshare units or properties in commercial zones.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bella Vista

Step-by-Step Process

1. Obtain Certificate of Compliance: Secure an issued Certificate of Compliance from the Advertising and Promotion Commission (Discover Bella Vista). For questions about tax form issuance, contact sandy@discoverbellavistaar.com.

2. Complete Application: Submit a comprehensive application form including:

   • Property owner name, address, phone number, and email
   • Local point of contact within 50 miles (if applicable)

3. Submit Application: Applications can be submitted to the Planning Division either by email to planning@bellavistaar.gov or in person at 101 Town Center in Bella Vista.

4. Pay Permit Fees: Submit the appropriate permit fee based on occupancy status.

5. Receive Permit: Once approved, the Short-Term Rental Permit will be sent via email through the CDS permitting system (iWorq).

6. Display Permit: Post the permit clearly visible at the STR location.

Annual Renewal Process

• Permits must be renewed annually
• Applications are processed in the order received
• Renewal notifications sent via iWorq email system

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents

• Certificate of Compliance from Advertising & Promotion Commission
• Completed STR Application Form with owner and contact information
• Valid Government-issued Photo ID
• Property Ownership Documentation (deed, title, or lease agreement)

Permits and Licenses

• Short-Term Rental Permit (primary requirement)
• Annual Renewal Permit (required each year)

Operational Guidelines

• Permit Display: Must be posted clearly visible at the STR location
• Contact Information: City must have on file contact information for property owner or representative
• Occupancy Limits: Maximum 3 guests per bedroom (Arkansas Fire Prevention Code standard)
• Parking Requirements: Minimum 2 off-street parking spaces, no on-street parking for guests

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Bella Vista)

Permit Cap and Availability

• Total permit cap: 600 active STR units (does not include owner-occupied units)
• As of October 31, 2025: 519 permits have been issued
• New permits above the 600 cap will be issued in order of application as space becomes available

Occupancy and Parking Standards

• Maximum occupancy: 3 guests per bedroom (consistent with Arkansas Fire Prevention Code)
• Parking: Minimum 2 off-street spaces required
• On-street parking for STR guests is prohibited

Permit Fees

• Owner-occupied: $50 initial fee, no renewal fee
• Non-owner-occupied: $150 initial fee, $100 annual renewal fee

Definition Requirements

• To qualify as owner-occupied: property must be applicant's primary residence, and owner must occupy structure simultaneously with guests
• Excludes timeshare units and properties in commercial zones

Violation Penalties

• First offense: $250-$500 fine
• Second offense: $500-$1,000 fine
• Third offense: $1,000-$maximum allowed by state plus permit loss
• Permit revocation results in one-year ban from obtaining new permit

County and State-Level Considerations

Benton County: No additional county-specific STR regulations were identified in the provided content.

Arkansas State: The city's regulations align with the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code regarding bedroom occupancy standards. The state does not appear to have additional mandatory STR regulations beyond local requirements.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact - Planning Division

• Email: planning@bellavistaar.gov
• Phone: 479-855-8285, extension 614
• Address: 101 Town Center, P.O. Box 5655, Bella Vista, AR 72714
• Office Hours:
  • Monday-Thursday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM (closed 12-1 PM for lunch)
  • Friday: 8 AM - 1:30 PM

Additional Contacts

• Advertising & Promotion Commission (Certificate of Compliance): sandy@discoverbellavistaar.com
• Code Enforcement (Complaints): 479-855-3771 (non-emergency number)
• General City Information: 479-876-1255

Application Submission

• Email: planning@bellavistaar.gov
• In-Person: 101 Town Center, Bella Vista, AR
• Online Portal: iWorq system (through city website)

Links to Source Pages

Official City Resources

• Bella Vista Short-Term Rental Information
• Planning Applications
• City Ordinances and Codes
• Advertising and Promotion Commission

News and Legal Documentation

• 5NEWS Article - STR Ordinance Changes
• Weekly Vista Article - Community Concerns

Market Analysis Resources

• RedAwning Market Overview

Important Note for Investors: As of the latest data, 519 of the 600 permitted STR units have been issued permits. This leaves approximately 81 permits available before reaching the city cap. The regulatory environment has been subject to legal challenges, with the city losing two lawsuits from STR owner groups, resulting in ordinance modifications. Investors should stay informed of any future regulatory changes and consider the community concerns regarding STR density, particularly in lakefront and residential neighborhoods.