Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Saint Charles, MO?

Short-term rentals are allowed in Saint Charles, Missouri, but with extremely restrictive regulations that severely limit new operations. As of April 15, 2025, the city lifted its previous moratorium on new STRs but implemented strict new limitations that make it nearly impossible for new residential investors to enter the market.

Key Restriction: The city is currently at maximum capacity and is NOT accepting new applications for residentially zoned STR properties. Only commercially zoned properties within the Extended Historic Preservation District (EHP) may still be considered for new STR operations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Saint Charles

Current Market Status (Critical for Investors)

Residential Properties:

• ❌ NEW APPLICATIONS NOT BEING ACCEPTED
• Maximum cap: 48 STR units (0.15% of total housing units)
• Location restricted to Extended Historic Preservation District (EHP) only
• 500-foot buffer requirement from other residential STRs

Commercial Properties:

• ✅ Still accepting applications within EHP district boundaries
• No Conditional Use Permit required for commercial properties in EHP
• Contact staff to begin application process

Step-by-Step Process for Commercial Properties

1. Property Verification

   • Confirm commercial zoning designation
   • Verify location within Extended Historic Preservation District (EHP)
   • Use City's Interactive Zoning Map for verification
   • Call Community Development: 636-949-3222

2. Application Process

   • Contact Community Development Department directly
   • Submit Short-Term Rental Permit application
   • No Conditional Use Permit required for commercial properties in EHP

3. Compliance Implementation

   • Schedule annual safety inspection (city staff will contact you)
   • Install mandatory noise monitoring device
   • Ensure all safety equipment meets code requirements
   • Obtain business license if applicable

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Permits and Licenses

Primary Requirements:

• Short-Term Rental Permit (annual renewal required - $75.00 fee)
• Business License (required before advertising or renting)
• Annual Safety Inspection (mandatory, scheduled by city staff)

For Residential Properties (Not Currently Accepting Applications):

• Conditional Use Permit (required before STR permit)
• Public hearing required
• City Council approval required

Required Documentation

Application Materials:

• Proof of property ownership
• Property insurance documentation
• Applicant contact information (name, address, phone, email)
• Property details (address, rental area, number of rooms)
• Advertising platforms to be used

Ongoing Compliance Records:

• Guest contact information (maintained for 3 years minimum)
• Formal guest acknowledgments of compliance responsibilities
• Annual safety inspection reports
• Business license documentation

Safety Requirements (Inspection Standards)

Mandatory Safety Equipment:

• Smoke Alarms: Within and outside every bedroom, one per level
• Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Outside all bedrooms if gas appliances or attached garage present
• GFCI Outlets: Required in bathrooms, kitchen counters, laundry areas, and outdoor locations
• Noise Monitoring Device: Mandatory installation and operation (inspected annually)
• Handrails: Required for all steps (indoor/outdoor) with 4+ steps
• Egress Windows: Required for converted bedrooms (specific size requirements apply)

Occupancy Guidelines

Maximum Occupancy:

• Maximum 10 occupants per property (unless additional fire safety systems installed)
• Occupancy calculated by bedroom size:
  • 1 occupant = 70 sq ft
  • 2 occupants = 100 sq ft
  • 3 occupants = 150 sq ft
  • Non-bedroom areas = 190 sq ft per occupant

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Location Restrictions (Critical for Investors)

Residential STRs:

• Location: Extended Historic Preservation District (EHP) only
• Buffer Requirement: 500 feet minimum distance from other existing STRs in residential zones
• Maximum Units: Capped at 0.15% of total housing units (48 units maximum)
• Current Status: City at maximum capacity, not accepting new applications

Commercial STRs:

• Location: Only within EHP district boundaries
• Permit Requirements: No Conditional Use Permit required
• Process: Direct application through Community Development

Operational Requirements

Parking Requirements:

• One off-street parking space per bedroom utilized as STR
• Parking must be in approved driveway, garage, or carport areas only
• Off-street parking required by Zoning Code Section 400.670

Occupancy Restrictions:

• Primary Structure Only: No occupancy allowed in accessory structures
• Time Restrictions: No STR rental more than once between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM in any 24-hour period
• Maximum Occupancy: As specified above based on square footage

Noise Regulations:

• Quiet Hours: No amplified or reproduced sound outside or audible from property line between 10:00 PM and 10:00 AM
• Mandatory Monitoring: Noise monitoring device required to notify host of unreasonable noise
• Guest Management: Owner must use prudent business practices to prevent disturbances

Annual Compliance Requirements

Inspection Process:

• Annual Safety Inspection: Mandatory for all STR properties
• Scheduling: City staff schedules inspections - do not call to schedule
• Inspection Areas: Common violations include smoke/CO alarms, GFCI outlets, handrails, egress windows
• Failure Consequences: Failed inspection renders permit null and void

Record Keeping Requirements:

• Guest Records: Must maintain guest contact information for 3 years
• Guest Acknowledgments: Formal acknowledgments of compliance responsibilities
• Inspection Records: Annual safety inspection documentation
• Availability: Records must be available to city staff during normal business hours

Permit Renewal:

• Deadline: Annual renewal due prior to last business day in December
• Fee Schedule: Permit fees approved by City Council
• Proration: New annual permits received after July 1st are prorated by half (does not apply to renewals)

Property Tax Considerations

Important Note: Contact St. Charles County at 636-949-7900 to verify how STR use may affect property taxes.

Contact Information for Local STR Authority

St. Charles Community Development Department

• Phone: 636-949-3222
• Address: 200 N Second Street, Saint Charles, MO 63301
• Fax: 636-949-3557
• Website: www.stcharlescitymo.gov
• STR Specific Page: Short-Term Rentals Information

City Hall Main Number: 636-949-3200

Zoning Verification: 636-949-3222

Property Tax Inquiries: 636-949-7900 (St. Charles County)

Links to Source Pages

Primary Official Resources:

• City of Saint Charles STR Information
• Interactive Zoning Map
• STR Location Map

Permit Applications and Forms:

• Short-Term Rental Permit Application
• Conditional Use Permit Application
• Fee Schedule
• Inspection Guidelines

Legal Documents:

• Ordinance #22-104
• Current STR Regulations
• Resolution 23-007

News and Analysis:

• Recent Ordinance Changes News Coverage
• Market Analysis and Regulations Summary

Critical Considerations for STR Investors

Current Market Reality

For Residential Properties:

• Market Status: Closed to new entrants
• Investment Strategy: Existing permits may be valuable, but new acquisitions cannot obtain permits
• Grandfathered Properties: Existing STRs outside EHP district become legally non-conforming but can continue operating
• Future Opportunities: Monitor city council meetings for regulation changes

For Commercial Properties:

• Remaining Opportunity: EHP district commercial properties may still be viable
• Due Diligence: Verify commercial zoning and EHP district location before purchase
• Application Process: Direct application without Conditional Use Permit process

Compliance Costs and Requirements

Initial Setup Costs:

• Noise monitoring device installation
• Safety equipment upgrades (smoke/CO alarms, GFCI outlets, handrails, egress windows)
• Permit fees ($75.00 annually)
• Business license fees
• Potential Conditional Use Permit fees (residential - not currently accepting)

Ongoing Compliance Costs:

• Annual safety inspection preparation
• Permit renewal fees
• Record keeping systems
• Noise monitoring device maintenance

Investment Risk Factors

Regulatory Risk:

• Current Restrictive Environment: 48-unit cap represents significant reduction from previous 0.5% limit
• Political Sensitivity: Strong resident opposition documented in public hearings
• Enforcement: City authorized to revoke permits for violations

Market Risk:

• Limited Supply: Artificial scarcity may increase values for existing permits
• Geographic Restrictions: EHP district boundaries limit available properties
• Competition: Existing operators have significant advantage

Recommendations for Potential Investors

1. Direct Contact: Before any investment, call Community Development at 636-949-3222 to verify current availability
2. Property Verification: Use interactive zoning maps to confirm EHP district location and zoning
3. Legal Review: Have attorney review all permit conditions and regulations
4. Financial Planning: Factor in compliance costs and limited revenue potential
5. Exit Strategy: Consider limited resale value due to regulatory restrictions

Important Disclaimer: The Saint Charles STR market is currently extremely restrictive for new entrants. Investors should carefully consider the regulatory environment and limited growth potential before making investment decisions.