Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Mountain Grove, MO?

Yes—conditionally. Mountain Grove explicitly allows short‑term rentals (STRs) through Ordinance No. 2022‑2V, which adds sections 8‑208 and 8‑209 to the city code. STRs are defined as rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days, with special provisions that also capture owner‑absent rentals of a primary residence for more than 95 days in a calendar year. STRs are permitted in all zoning districts except PD (Planned Development) and Industrial.

How to start a short‑term rental business in Mountain Grove, MO

• Confirm zoning eligibility: STRs are prohibited in PD and Industrial districts. They must be in the primary structure (single‑family home) on a residential block face that meets density thresholds (see “Regulations” below).
• Prepare your unit: Ensure it meets life‑safety standards. A Certificate of Occupancy is required under city code.
• Obtain permits and licenses: You must secure an STR permit (application fee applies) and an annual business license before hosting.
• Register for taxes: Collect and remit all applicable sales, use, and bed taxes for STR activity.
• Plan operations: STRs may not be used solely for parties, receptions, weddings, or similar events. Prepare standard transient lodging operations (guest stays, housekeeping, guest communications).
• Ongoing compliance: Annual renewal of the STR permit and business license; maintain tax remittance schedules and record‑keeping.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Certificate of Occupancy: Required per city building codes for the dwelling used as an STR.
• Annual Business License: Required for operating an STR in Mountain Grove.
• Short‑Term Rental Permit: A city permit is required to operate an STR, separate from the business license and certificate of occupancy.
• Application contents (per ordinance):
  • Application fee (ordinance indicates $350; verify current fee schedule).
  • Description and details of the proposed STR operation, including number of days per month to be rented and any proposed changes.
  • Applicant and contact information.
  • City‑provided information sheet completed as required.
• Zoning and density compliance: STRs must be in the primary structure, respect single‑family character, and meet density limits by block face.
• Prohibited use: STRs cannot be rented solely for receptions, parties, weddings, or similar activities.

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals (city, county, and state)

City of Mountain Grove (Ordinance No. 2022‑2V)

• Definitions and scope:
  • Short‑Term Rental: Rental use for fewer than 30 consecutive days; also applies to a primary residence rented for more than 95 days in a calendar year when the owner is absent.
  • Applies citywide except PD and Industrial districts.
• Zoning and physical constraints:
  • STR must be located in the primary structure.
  • No exterior alterations that change the single‑family character (except those necessary for safety).
  • No residential structure shall be removed for parking or to expand the STR.
• Density limitations by block face:
  • A rental shall be limited to no more than one STR per eight residential structures on the block face.
  • No STR shall be permitted on a block face with fewer than four residential structures unless an appeal is granted by City Council.
  • Illustrative threshold (per ordinance): 4–8 structures: 1 STR; 9–15 structures: 1 STR; 16–23 structures: 2 STRs.
  • “Block face” means one side of a street from one intersection to the next, not including alleys. Residential block face is determined by mailing address.
• Use restrictions:
  • STRs shall not be rented solely for receptions, parties, weddings, or similar activities.
• Permitting:
  • STR permit required in addition to the business license and certificate of occupancy.
  • Application fee indicated as $350; confirm current fees with the city.
  • City may require additional forms and information sheets to implement the section.
• Taxes:
  • All sales, use, and bed taxes must be collected and paid on all STR property.
• Enforcement and appeals:
  • City Council may grant appeals for density threshold hardship cases.

Note on occupancy: The ordinance includes a line referencing parking spaces per person for sleeping room rentals, but the precise parking ratio is not fully legible in the provided text. Confirm current occupancy and parking requirements with the city before issuing final occupancy limits.

Wright County (if applicable)

The provided sources do not include Wright County–specific STR regulations. As of the materials available, STR rules appear to be administered at the city level. If your property lies outside city limits (i.e., in unincorporated Wright County), verify county requirements separately.

State of Missouri (general obligations for STRs)

• Sales and lodging taxes:
  • Missouri’s base state sales tax rate is 4.225%.
  • Transient lodging (stays under 30 days) is generally taxable unless the platform collects and remits taxes on your behalf.
  • Local sales/lodging taxes may also apply depending on the jurisdiction.
• Business entity formation:
  • If you choose to operate as an LLC or other entity, register with the Missouri Secretary of State.
• Licensing:
  • No statewide STR license; local municipalities may require permits and business licenses.
• Reporting and filing:
  • File and remit taxes with the Missouri Department of Revenue according to your filing cadence. Maintain records of nightly rates, cleaning fees, and occupancy.
• Best practices:
  • Review HOA bylaws and community covenants for additional restrictions.
  • Monitor city council actions for ordinance updates.

Taxes and fees checklist (Mountain Grove and Missouri)

• Certificate of Occupancy: Confirm inspection and issuance fees with the City Building Department.
• Annual Business License: Check current fee schedule with City Hall.
• STR Permit:
  • Application fee indicated as $350 in the ordinance; verify whether the amount has changed.
• State sales tax:
  • 4.225% on transient lodging unless remitted by the platform.
• Local sales/lodging taxes:
  • May apply; confirm exact rates and whether any tourism/convention taxes are imposed in Mountain Grove.
• Bed taxes:
  • City ordinance requires payment of all bed taxes; confirm the local bed tax rate and reporting process.
• Filing cadence:
  • Based on income level, you may file monthly, quarterly, or annually with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Contact information (authority in charge of STRs)

• City Hall (City of Mountain Grove—Board of Aldermen)
  • Address: 100 E State St, Mountain Grove, MO 65711
  • Phone: (417) 926‑5212
  • Website: www.mtgrove-mo.gov
• Building Department (for Certificate of Occupancy)
  • Contact via City Hall for inspections and occupancy certifications.
• Planning/Zoning (for permit eligibility and density questions)
  • Contact via City Hall; request routing to the Planning/Zoning official.

Note: Confirm current staff assignments, direct emails, and any online permitting portals with City Hall.

Links to source pages

• Mountain Grove Ordinance No. 2022‑2V (STR regulations—Article 8, Sections 8‑208 & 8‑209):
  • mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/12112/1259586/pdf
• Supporting ordinance document (related to short‑term rentals in Mountain Grove):
  • mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/12112/1259575/pdf?forceDownload=true
• Missouri STR regulations overview (state‑level context):
  • www.redawning.com/pm/post/missouri-short-term-rental-laws

Important notes and cautions

• The city’s density thresholds are explicit; properties on block faces with fewer than four residential structures are not eligible for STR permits unless an appeal is granted by City Council.
• STRs must operate within the primary structure and maintain the single‑family character of the neighborhood.
• Verify occupancy limits and any parking ratio requirements with the Building Department; the parking clause in the ordinance is partially unclear in the provided text.
• Tax remittance responsibilities can vary by platform; if the platform collects state/local taxes, confirm how they are remitted and whether any additional local taxes apply in Mountain Grove.

This guide reflects the ordinance text and general Missouri tax obligations available in the provided sources. For definitive requirements and current fees, confirm directly with City Hall and the Building Department.