Ballwin, Missouri Short-Term Rental (STR) Investor Guide (2025)

Overview and Legality in Ballwin Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Ballwin, MO, but only under a narrow set of conditions. The City regulates “Short Term Residential Rentals” via Ordinance 18-38 (Bill 3991). The rules are owner‑oriented: you may only rent your principal residence (not a detached building or separate structure), you must live on-site at least 180 days each year, and you must secure a city permit and pass an inspection before hosting. In short, Ballwin permits owner‑occupied STRs in single‑family zoning districts; non‑owner‑occupied STRs are prohibited.

State-level context (Missouri): Missouri does not have a uniform, statewide STR license. STR compliance is a local issue, with state tax obligations (e.g., sales/lodging tax) and optional business entity registration with the Secretary of State. For Ballwin investors, city rules take precedence.

How to Start a STR Business in Ballwin

• Confirm eligibility: You must be a Permanent Resident living on the property at least 180 days per year. The home must be your principal residential structure (no detached buildings).
• Prepare documentation and contacts:
  • Proof of permanent residency: at least two of the following (vehicle registration, driver’s license, voter registration, bank statement, utility bill).
  • Local contact: name and phone for a person available 24/7 to respond to complaints within 45 minutes.
• Complete the city permit application: submit the “Short-Term Rental Permit/Application” to the Code Enforcement Department, include required signatures, and pay the permit fee.
• Schedule and pass inspection: Ballwin requires an inspection prior to issuance; the fee is $100. This follows occupancy-permit procedures.
• Renew every two years: permits expire on the second anniversary of issuance and must be renewed to remain in compliance.
• Comply with all other laws: zoning, property maintenance, nuisance, building codes, occupancy limits, parking, and tax obligations.
• Operate responsibly: cap occupancy per city code, keep records of rentals for two years, ensure guest parking follows the rules, and enforce neighborhood-friendly conduct.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines (Ballwin)

• City short-term rental permit and inspection
  • Issued under procedures for occupancy permits; inspection fee $100; biennial renewal.
  • Evidence of permanent residency: at least two documents (driver’s license, vehicle registration, voter registration, bank statement, utility bill).
  • 24/7 local contact name and phone number.
  • Operating records must be maintained for two years and made available to the City for inspection; include rental dates, stay dates, and guest contact information.
  • Occupancy limit per the city’s Code; maximum is “as set forth in this Code” (verify with Code Enforcement).
• Parking and street use
  • All vehicles of the owner and guests must park on the property or on the street abutting the property.
• Property use and compliance
  • STR may occur only within the owner’s principal structure (no detached building or structure).
  • Subject to property maintenance, nuisance, zoning, and building code requirements.
• State tax and business registration (Missouri-level)
  • Sales/lodging tax: Missouri’s state sales tax rate is 4.225%. Many lodging stays under 30 days are taxable. Platforms may collect; if not, register with the Department of Revenue and remit directly.
  • Local lodging/tourism taxes may apply (varies).
  • Optional: Form a business entity (LLC, etc.) with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Specific Regulations (Ballwin vs County vs State) Ballwin (city-level)

• Permanent residency required: at least 180 days on-site per year.
• Only the owner’s principal structure may be used; detached buildings are prohibited.
• Permit + inspection required before hosting; renew every two years; $100 inspection fee.
• 24/7 local contact with a 45‑minute response expectation for complaints.
• Occupancy limits per city code (confirm current maximums).
• Parking on-site or street abutting the property only.
• Record-keeping for two years (dates, guest info).
• Compliance with property maintenance, nuisance, zoning, building codes.
• Penalties:
  • Violations are unlawful and subject to the general penalty.
  • Two citations within 180 days can trigger revocation of business license and permit; no eligibility for a year.

County (St. Louis County)

• No Ballwin‑specific county ordinance is included in the provided sources. For information outside Ballwin city limits (i.e., unincorporated St. Louis County), consult the County’s planning/zoning and taxation authorities.

State (Missouri)

• No statewide STR license. Licensing, zoning, and operational requirements vary by city/county.
• State sales/lodging tax applies to short stays (commonly under 30 days). Platform remittance may apply; otherwise register with the Department of Revenue and file returns.
• Local lodging/tourism taxes may exist depending on jurisdiction.
• Business entity formation is optional; register with the Secretary of State if desired.

Contact Information (Ballwin)

• Code Enforcement Department (Short-Term Rentals and Inspections)
  • Address: #1 Government Center, Ballwin, MO 63011
  • Phone: (636) 227-2129
  • Email: inspections@ballwin.mo.us
  • Notes: Submit the STR permit/application here. Inquire about occupancy limits, inspection scheduling, and renewal dates.

Source Links

• City of Ballwin Ordinance 18-38 (Bill 3991): www.ballwin.mo.us/pageimages/Board/2018/BILL_3991_Short_Term_Rentals.pdf
• City of Ballwin STR Permit/Application: www.ballwin.mo.us/pageimages/DocumentCenter/ShortTermRentalPermit.pdf
• RedAwning overview of Missouri STR laws (state-level perspective): www.redawning.com/pm/post/missouri-short-term-rental-laws
• Home Team Luxury Rentals overview of Missouri STR regulations: hometeamluxuryrentals.com/blog/missouri-short-term-rental-regulations
• St. Louis Magazine article on STR enforcement status in St. Louis: www.stlmag.com/news/short-term-rental-regulations-stlouis/