Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Mountain View, AR?

Short-term rentals are allowed in Mountain View, Arkansas, but operate within a framework of zoning regulations and business requirements rather than dedicated STR ordinances. Unlike some cities with specific Airbnb regulations, Mountain View relies on its comprehensive zoning code to govern lodging activities. The city treats short-term rentals under existing categories such as "hotels," "bed and breakfast inns," "boarding houses," and general commercial uses, depending on the property type and operation model.

Key Point: There is no dedicated short-term rental license or permit system in Mountain View. Instead, hosts must comply with zoning requirements, business licensing, and tax obligations that apply to lodging businesses.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Mountain View, AR

Step 1: Determine Your Zoning Compliance

Mountain View's zoning code governs where lodging operations can legally operate:

Permitted STR Operations by Zone:

• R-2 (Moderate Density Residential): Bed and breakfast inns and boarding houses are permitted uses
• DC (Downtown Commercial): Hotels are permitted uses
• GC (General Commercial): Hotels and lodging facilities are permitted
• TC (Tourist Commercial): Motels, cabins, and tourist-oriented lodging are permitted uses
• R-1 (Low Density Residential): Limited to home occupations; full STR operations would likely require conditional use approval

Step 2: Verify Property Compliance

• Confirm your property is in an appropriate zoning district
• Review setback requirements, height limitations, and lot coverage restrictions
• Ensure adequate parking (varies by use type - see parking requirements below)

Step 3: Business Registration

• Register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for tax purposes
• Obtain any required city business license (contact city clerk for requirements)
• Consider LLC or other business structure for liability protection

Step 4: Tax Registration and Compliance

• Register for Arkansas sales tax (6.5% state rate typically applies to lodging)
• Set up systems for tax collection and remittance
• Maintain detailed records of all rental income and expenses

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Business Registration

• Arkansas Sales Tax Account: Required for collecting and remitting state sales tax on lodging (register through Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point - ATAP)
• City Business License: May be required - contact Mountain View City Clerk's office to confirm current requirements

Zoning Compliance

• Conditional Use Permit: Required if operating in zones where lodging is only conditionally permitted
• Site Plan Approval: May be required showing parking, setbacks, and compliance with zoning standards
• Building Permits: Required for any construction, renovation, or structural modifications

Operational Guidelines

• Parking Compliance: Must meet off-street parking requirements based on use type:
  • Bed & Breakfast: 1 space for proprietor + 1 per sleeping room + 1 per 4 employees
  • Hotels/Motels: 1 space per sleeping unit + 2 spaces per 3 employees
• Fire and Safety Compliance: Must meet all applicable building and fire codes
• Signage Compliance: Subject to zoning district signage requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Mountain View Zoning Regulations

Allowed STR Operations by District:

R-2 (Moderate Density Residential):

• Bed and breakfast inns: Permitted use
• Boarding houses: Permitted use
• Multi-family structures up to 10 units: Permitted use
• Must meet residential density and parking requirements

DC (Downtown Commercial):

• Hotels: Permitted use
• Loft apartments or upper-floor residential: Conditional use
• High lot coverage (85%) permitted
• Minimal setback requirements

GC (General Commercial):

• Hotels and lodging facilities: Permitted use
• Owner-occupied residential units within commercial structures: Permitted (not predominant use)
• Maximum lot coverage: 85%
• Front setbacks: 40-75 feet depending on parking configuration

TC (Tourist Commercial):

• Motels, cabins, tourist facilities: Permitted use
• Designed specifically for tourist-oriented lodging
• RV parks permitted with special requirements
• Minimum 3-acre requirement for RV parks

Parking Requirements by Use Type

Lodging Operations Must Provide:

• Bed & Breakfast: 1 space for owner/proprietor + 1 space per sleeping room + 1 space per 4 employees
• Hotels/Motels: 1 space per sleeping/dwelling unit + 2 spaces per 3 employees
• Boardin Houserooms: 1 space for proprietor + 1 space per sleeping room + 1 space per 4 employees

Operational Restrictions

• Noise and Nuisance: Subject to general city noise ordinances and nuisance regulations
• Occupancy Limits: Must comply with building and fire code occupancy restrictions
• Length of Stay: No specific time limits specified in zoning code
• Business Operations: Commercial activities must be consistent with zoning district character

Arkansas State-Level Regulations

Tax Requirements:

• State Sales Tax: 6.5% applies to short-term lodging
• Local Add-On Taxes: Cities/counties may impose additional lodging taxes (1-4% typical range)
• Filing Frequency: Monthly, quarterly, or annual filing based on revenue volume
• Registration: Required through Arkansas DFA if not using platform that collects/remits taxes

State Preemption:

• No statewide STR license requirement
• Cities have broad authority to regulate through zoning and business licensing
• 2025 legislative session includes bills limiting cities' STR restrictions (monitor for updates)

Contact Information

Mountain View City Government

City Hall: (870) 269-3255 Planning Department: Contact through City Hall City Clerk: Contact through City Hall Mayor and City Council: Contact through City Hall

Address: City of Mountain View 210 W Main St Mountain View, AR 72560

Website: www.cityofmtnview.org

County Government (Stone County)

County Judge's Office: (870) 269-3515 Planning/Zoning: Contact County Judge's Office

State Agencies

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Tax Registration: (501) 682-7104 Website: www.dfa.arkansas.gov Online Registration: Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP)

Relevant State Legislature Information

Monitor Arkansas General Assembly for STR-related legislation Website: www.arkleg.state.ar.us

Links to Source Pages

Primary Sources

1. Mountain View Zoning Code: www.cityofmtnview.org/plugins/show_image.php?id=367

   • Complete zoning regulations including lodging uses, parking requirements, and operational standards

2. Arkansas Short-Term Rental Laws (RedAwning): www.redawning.com/pm/post/arkansas-short-term-rental-laws

   • State-level tax requirements and general business registration information

3. Arkansas STR Legislation News: www.arkansasonline.com/news/2025/feb/12/house-panel-approves-short-term-rental-bill-by-a/

   • Current legislative developments affecting local STR regulations

Important Notes for STR Investors

Zoning Compliance is Critical: Mountain View's zoning code provides the primary regulatory framework. Investors must verify property zoning before purchasing or listing.

No Dedicated STR Ordinance: Unlike cities with specific Airbnb regulations, Mountain View relies on existing zoning categories, making compliance more straightforward but requiring careful property selection.

Tourist Focus: The Tourist Commercial (TC) district is specifically designed for lodging that serves tourists, making it ideal for STR operations.

Parking Requirements: Ensure adequate off-street parking, which varies significantly by use type and can impact property suitability.

Tax Registration: Even without a local STR license, state tax registration is typically required for lodging operations.

Legislative Monitoring: The 2025 Arkansas legislature is actively considering bills that could limit local STR restrictions, potentially affecting Mountain View's regulatory environment.

This guide provides the regulatory foundation for STR investment in Mountain View, but investors should verify current requirements with city officials before making investment decisions, as local regulations can evolve and enforcement practices may vary.