Official status of STRs (overview): Short-term rentals are allowed in Cabot. Cabot’s zoning code does not impose a separate STR license or a complete ban; therefore, an STR operating legally as a residential use, a guesthouse/boardinghouse, or a transient accommodation in an allowed district is permitted without city-level STR-specific restrictions. Operators must comply with underlying zoning, building/life-safety codes, county health requirements, and applicable state lodging laws. Where the use is ambiguous, obtaining a Business Permit and, if necessary, a Special Use Permit or Planning Commission approval may be required to confirm compliance.

Important: City-specific STR regulations (e.g., registration, caps, cap-days, or rental duration limits) were not found in the provided materials. This guide covers zoning and permitting pathways and relevant state/county requirements. Operators should confirm any additional local approvals with Planning/Building and County Health before opening.

1) Allowed or Not? Zoning Baseline for STRs

• Cabot’s Zoning Code (R-1 through R-5, PUD; and Commercial O-1, C-1, C-2, C-3; Industrial I-1) does not mention “short-term rentals” or “STRs” explicitly.
• However, “rooming or boarding houses” are listed as principal uses in several multifamily districts (R-4M/R-4H) and may be relevant as an STR proxy where guest stays are charged.
• Residential single-family dwellings (R-1/R-2/R-2S) do not list “rooming or boarding” as a permitted use by right. Guesthouses or other lodging may require:
  • Zoning confirmation from Planning (confirm permitted-by-right or need for SP),
  • A Special Use Permit (SP) through Article IV procedures if the use is only allowed under conditions,
  • And/or Business Permit approval per Article VII, Section 3.
• Commercial Districts and PUDs: Zoning acknowledges “transient facilities” in C-1 and lodging-type operations can occur where “transient sleeping accommodations” are listed (C-3). If the proposed STR site is in a commercial district or PUD, the use may be allowed by-right or with site plan review depending on the exact use designation; investors should confirm the Table of Permitted Uses (Article XIII) and any special conditions.

Bottom line: STR operations are generally possible in Cabot when the use is compatible with the district’s permitted uses or authorized via SP. In residential districts, confirm whether the use is treated as a boardinghouse/roominghouse and whether a SP is required. In commercial districts or C-1/C-3, lodging/transient uses may be permissible subject to site plan review and standard commercial criteria (parking, screening, noise, etc.). See Cabot Zoning Book, Articles II–III, IV, V, and VII.

2) How to Start an STR in Cabot: Step-by-Step

1. Determine zoning and permitted status

   • Confirm the property’s zoning (R-1, R-2, R-2S, R-4M, R-4H, R-5; O-1, C-1, C-2, C-3; I-1; PUD) via the Official Zoning Map held by the City Clerk at Public Works.
   • If the use resembles a boardinghouse or lodging, verify whether it is a permitted use in that district. If not explicit, request a zoning interpretation or consider applying for a Special Use Permit under Article IV.

2. Prepare for Special Use Permit (if required)

   • Article IV outlines SP standards, public notice, Planning Commission review, and City Council ratification by ordinance.
   • Submit a development plan including site layout, access/parking, screening/landscaping, lighting, hours/operations, and mitigation for noise/glare/odor.

3. Site Plan Review (if applicable)

   • For certain commercial districts (O-1, C-2, C-3), a site plan is required for building permits (Article V). Major site plans are reviewed by the Planning Commission when triggers occur (e.g., large parcels, large buildings, multi-family projects).
   • Submit detailed site plan per Article V, Section 4 (survey, utilities, parking, grading/drainage, landscaping, lighting, signage).

4. Business Permit (Article VII, Section 3)

   • Cabot requires a Business Permit for operating within city limits. The Finance Office issues business licenses; coordinate with Planning/Building to confirm zoning and any site plan needs.

5. Certificates and Inspections

   • Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy (Article X, Sections 2–3) are required for new construction, changes in use, or significant alterations.
   • Fire/Life Safety compliance may be required; coordinate with Fire Marshall and Building for any applicable inspections.

6. County Health and State Lodging Licensing

   • For lodging activities, contact the Lonoke County Health Unit to determine requirements (e.g., plan review/inspection for transient accommodation, food service if breakfast is provided).
   • Coordinate with the Arkansas Department of Health—Hospitality and Recreation program for state lodging licensing and sanitation standards. (Contact details below.)

7. Ongoing Compliance

   • Off-Street Parking (Article VII, Section 1) and Loading (Section 2) requirements apply; ensure adequate spaces and paved areas as required.
   • Lighting must be directed away from adjacent residential districts; avoid excessive noise/odor/vibration per Articles III and VI.
   • Signage must comply with City Code; zoning and site plan approvals control size/placement.
   • Maintain property conditions and observe any conditions imposed through SP or site plan approval.

3) Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-level

• Business Permit (Article VII, Section 3): Obtained through the City Finance Office; provides authorization to operate within the city.
• Building Permit: For new buildings, additions, or changes in use; issued by Building Official (Article X, Section 2).
• Certificate of Occupancy and Compliance (Article X, Section 3): Required prior to occupancy following completion and inspections.
• Special Use Permit (if required) (Article IV): Application via Public Works/Planning; public notices (newspaper and on-site), adjacent property owner notification, Planning Commission review, City Council ratification by ordinance.
• Site Plan Review (Article V): Applicable for O-1, C-2, C-3; submit detailed plans per Section 4; Planning Commission action for major site plans.
• Parking and Loading Plans (Article VII, Sections 1–2): Show compliance with required spaces, layout, and paving.

County/State-level

• Lonoke County Health Unit review/inspection: Determine if transient accommodation or food service (e.g., breakfast) requires approvals.
• Arkansas Department of Health lodging license: Hospitality and Recreation program for lodging establishments; confirm sanitation standards, plan reviews, and permitting as applicable.

Note: Specific application forms for Business Permits and SP are not included in the provided code. Contact the City (Finance and Planning/Public Works) for current forms, fees, and intake procedures.

4) City, County, and State Regulations Specific to STRs

City of Cabot

• Zoning compliance (Articles II–III): Use must match district-permitted uses or SP approvals; R-4M/R-4H allow “rooming or boarding houses” as principal uses. In R-1/R-2/R-2S, verify whether STR is treated as a boardinghouse and whether SP is needed.
• Special Use Permit (Article IV): Standards include traffic/parking safety, compatibility, screening/landscaping, lighting/noise controls, and operating conditions. Conditions imposed become operative upon use and violations can trigger revocation.
• Site Plan Review (Article V): Required for certain commercial districts; assures buffering and compatibility, adequate parking/loading, drainage compliance, and proper signage/lighting.
• Parking and Loading (Article VII): Provide required off-street spaces per Article VII, Section 1; off-street loading per Section 2. Paving, access, and screening must meet code.
• Commercial District Criteria (Article III): In C-1 (Central Business District), “transient facilities” are acknowledged; C-3 allows transient sleeping accommodations and open display, with screening and front-setback rules. Lighting must not intrude on residential areas.
• Home Occupations (Article VI, Section 10): While distinct from lodging uses, home-occupation standards provide insight into conduct and neighborhood compatibility expectations.
• Administration/Enforcement (Article X): Building permits, CO, violation penalties, and fee schedules. Appeals go to the Board of Adjustment (Article IX).

Lonoke County

• Health unit review: Confirm plan review/inspection needs for lodging and any provided food services; obtain any required approvals prior to operation.

State of Arkansas

• ADH lodging establishment licensing: Arkansas Department of Health—Hospitality and Recreation program licenses lodging establishments and enforces sanitation standards. Confirm scope of licensure and inspection requirements for STRs.

5) Contact Information

City of Cabot

• City Hall: 501-843-3566
• City Address: 202 W Main St, Cabot, AR 72023
• Public Works/Planning (zoning, site plans, SP): 501-843-3566
  • Note: The Official Zoning Map is maintained by the City Clerk at Public Works.
• Building Department (permits, CO): 501-843-3566
• Fire Marshall (life safety/fire compliance): 501-843-7567

Lonoke County

• Lonoke County Health Unit: 501-843-3091
  • Address: 1000 W 2nd St, Cabot, AR 72023
  • Purpose: Determine plan review/inspection needs for lodging/food service in STR operations.

State of Arkansas

• Arkansas Department of Health—Hospitality and Recreation (lodging licensing): 501-661-2171
  • Purpose: Lodging establishment licensing and sanitation standards.

6) Source Pages and Links

• Cabot Zoning Book (PDF): www.cabotar.gov/DocumentCenter/View/128/Zoning-Book-PDF
  • Relevant sections referenced:
    • Articles II–III (Zoning Districts and Use Permissions)
    • Article IV (Special Use Permits)
    • Article V (Site Plan Review)
    • Article VI (Special Provisions and Home Occupations)
    • Article VII (Off-Street Parking/Loading and Business Permits)
    • Articles IX–X (Board of Adjustment; Administration/Enforcement)

No additional URLs were provided in the search results. Investors should verify city-level STR-specific policies with Cabot City Hall and confirm county/state licensing requirements before opening.

Practical Investor Notes

• Explicit city STR ban or cap: Not found; STRs are allowed subject to zoning and life-safety compliance.
• Regulatory pathway: Primarily a zoning-permitted use or SP in residential zones; site plan review in certain commercial zones; business permit and CO; county health and state lodging licensing as applicable.
• Due diligence: Confirm zoning district and use permissions via the Official Zoning Map and Public Works; request SP where required; secure all city approvals before state licensure; maintain compliance with parking, screening, lighting, and noise requirements; retain documentation of licenses, inspections, and COs for ongoing operations.