Short-Term Rental Investor's Guide: Paragould, Arkansas

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

EXPLICIT ANSWER: Based on the provided content, there are no city-specific short-term rental regulations identified for Paragould, Arkansas. The content indicates that Arkansas municipalities are addressing short-term rentals in various ways, but Paragould specifically is not mentioned among the cities with active STR regulations.

Current Status: Without specific city ordinances, short-term rentals appear to operate under general business, zoning, and nuisance regulations that apply to all properties in Greene County and Paragould.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Paragould

Given the absence of specific STR regulations, investors should follow these steps:

1. Verify Zoning Compliance: Confirm that short-term rentals are permitted in your intended zoning district under existing land use codes
2. Obtain Business License: Register your rental operation as a business with Greene County
3. Secure Property Insurance: Ensure adequate coverage for commercial short-term rental activities
4. Comply with Standard Housing Codes: Meet all local health, safety, and building requirements
5. Implement Local Contact System: Establish procedures for responding to neighbor concerns and city inquiries
6. Maintain Property Standards: Adhere to general property maintenance and nuisance regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

County-Level Requirements (Greene County):

• Business license application
• Property tax registration
• Sales tax permit (if applicable)
• Certificate of occupancy verification

Standard Documentation Needed:

• Proof of property ownership or lease agreement
• Business liability insurance
• Property management plan
• Emergency contact information
• Local contact person designation

Compliance Areas:

• Fire safety and emergency egress standards
• Health department requirements for lodging
• Parking and occupancy limits
• Noise and disturbance prevention measures
• Waste management protocols

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

Paragould City Level

No specific short-term rental ordinances were identified in the provided content. Standard city codes would apply regarding:

• Zoning compliance
• Building permits
• Property maintenance standards
• Nuisance abatement
• Noise ordinances
• Parking regulations

Greene County Level

The Greene County Code of Ordinances provides the general regulatory framework:

General Provisions (Chapter 1):

• Maximum fines for ordinance violations: $500 per offense
• Daily penalties for continuous violations: $250 per day
• Enforcement through county court system

Administration (Chapter 2):

• Quorum Court authority to create business regulations
• County judge's administrative oversight
• Public meeting requirements for new ordinances

Public Works (Chapter 11):

• Solid waste collection requirements
• Utility service standards
• Sewage treatment compliance

Urban/Rural Development (Chapter 13):

• Building permit requirements
• Planning and zoning authority
• Economic development guidelines

Arkansas State Level

Key State Framework:

• Arkansas Municipal League recognizes varying local approaches to STR regulation
• Property rights are strongly protected under Arkansas law
• Local governments have broad authority to regulate through ordinance
• Tourism and economic development balanced against housing availability
• Cities must balance investment property rights with community character

State-Level Considerations:

• Arkansas Code Annotated provisions for municipal regulation
• Property tax implications for commercial vs. residential classification
• Sales tax collection requirements for lodging businesses
• Professional licensing requirements may apply for hospitality services

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact Points:

Greene County Government:

• County Judge: Rusty McMillon
• County Clerk: Phyllis Rhynes
• County Sheriff: Brad Snyder
• County Address: Greene County Courthouse, Arkansas
• Phone: (501) 372-7550 (Association of Arkansas Counties general line)

Municipal Contact:

• City of Paragould: Contact through Greene County
• Website: www.paragould.org/

Regulatory Enforcement:

• Code Enforcement: Through Greene County Sheriff's Office
• Planning/Zoning: Greene County Planning Department
• Health Department: Arkansas Department of Health - Greene County office

Business Licensing:

• Greene County Clerk's Office: Business license applications
• County Treasurer: Kristi Rawls - tax collection matters

Links to Source Pages

1. Arkansas Municipal League Article on STR Regulation: www.bsbnewurbanism.com/featured-stories/2024/6/6/checking-in-or-checking-out

2. Greene County Code of Ordinances (PDF): greenecounty.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2024.01.24.-Greene-W-LINKS-1-3.pdf

3. Main Street Paragould Website: www.downtownparagould.com/

4. City of Paragould Official Website: www.paragould.org/

5. Greene County Government Website: greenecounty.arkansas.gov/

Important Notes for Investors

1. Regulatory Landscape: The absence of specific STR regulations means Paragould's market operates under general business and property codes

2. Future Development: Monitor Quorum Court meetings for potential STR-related legislation

3. Market Approach: Study nearby communities like Bella Vista, Hot Springs, and Bentonville for regulatory trends

4. Due Diligence: Consult with local legal counsel familiar with Arkansas property law before establishing operations

5. Community Relations: Given the lack of formal regulations, maintain strong community relationships to prevent future restrictive ordinances

This guide represents current information based on the provided content. Given the dynamic nature of municipal regulations, investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before proceeding with short-term rental operations in Paragould.