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Saint Louis

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STR Regulations for Saint Louis, Missouri

Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Saint Louis, MO?

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Saint Louis, Missouri, but they are regulated under a comprehensive permitting system. As of November 6, 2024, Ordinance 71729 established the first-ever regulatory framework for short-term rentals in Saint Louis. All short-term rental operators are required to obtain city permits, with a grace period extending until May 6, 2025 for compliance.

Important Notice: A court order has temporarily prohibited the City of St. Louis from enforcing Ordinance 71729. While this court order is in effect, the city will not be enforcing the permit requirements. However, operators should prepare for compliance as the legal situation may change.

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

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Determine Property Eligibility

    • Properties receiving tax increment financing or tax abatements are prohibited from operating as STRs
    • Properties in Zoning District "A" (Single-Family Residential) require additional conditional use hearings
    • Verify your property doesn't have outstanding city taxes or obligations

  2. Choose Permit Type

    • Short-Term Rental, Occupied Permit: For your primary residence (limited to one permit per person)
    • Short-Term Rental, Non-Occupied Permit: For investment properties (maximum four permits per owner, requires business license)

  3. Complete Required Inspections and Safety Measures

    • Install working smoke detectors inside and outside every bedroom
    • Install carbon monoxide alarms outside every bedroom
    • Provide properly maintained and charged fire extinguishers on all habitable floors
    • Obtain occupancy permit through property inspection

  4. Submit Application Through Official Portal

    • Apply via the STL City Permits Portal
    • Pay $150 permit fee plus processing fees
    • Provide all required documentation

  5. Complete Additional Requirements for Single-Family Zones

    • Schedule and attend conditional use hearing if in Zoning District "A"
    • Pay additional hearing fees as required

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Documentation Required:

  • Proof of property ownership or notarized letter from owner if tenant
  • Proof of paid property taxes (for owner-occupied rentals)
  • Valid St. Louis City Business License (for non-owner-occupied rentals only)
  • Contact information for local agent who can respond to emergencies within one hour, 24/7
  • Permit application with $150 fee

Permits and Licenses:

  • Short-Term Rental Permit (renewed annually)
  • Occupancy Permit (required through inspection)
  • Business License (non-occupied rentals only)
  • Conditional Use Permit (Single-Family Residential zones only)

Safety and Operational Guidelines:

  • Minimum stay requirement: 2 consecutive nights
  • Occupancy limits: Based on property size and city regulations
  • 24/7 local agent: Must be able to respond on-site within one hour
  • Posted house rules: Required in the rental unit
  • Safety equipment: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers
  • No exterior signage: Except city-issued marker (maximum 1 foot by 1 foot)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Restrictions:

  • Prohibited uses: No party venues, reception spaces, meeting spaces, or similar events
  • Food service restrictions: No food service allowed; only pre-packaged foods and beverages permitted
  • Single renter rule: Only one rental contract per property during any given period
  • Neighborhood compliance: Must not disrupt neighborhood or interfere with neighbors' quiet enjoyment

Unit Caps by Structure Type:

  • 2-unit structures: Both units can be STRs
  • 3-unit structures: Maximum 1 STR allowed
  • 4-unit structures: Maximum 2 STRs allowed (1 occupied, 1 non-occupied)
  • 5-23 unit structures: Maximum 25% can be non-occupied STRs
  • 24+ unit structures: Maximum 12.5% can be non-occupied STRs

Individual Owner Limits:

  • Occupied permits: 1 per person (must be primary residence)
  • Non-occupied permits: Maximum 4 per property owner
  • Natural persons only: Permits cannot be issued to LLCs or corporations

Violation and Enforcement:

  • Three-strike rule: Three violations within 24 months results in permit revocation for up to 12 months
  • Fines: $500 per fully adjudicated violation in municipal court
  • Continuous violations: Each day counted as separate offense
  • First violation: Building Commissioner may initiate permit review and revocation

Tax Requirements:

  • State sales and lodging taxes: Required
  • City hotel-motel room tax: Required
  • New 3% STR fee: Approved by voters, funds affordable housing initiatives
  • Commercial tax rate: Non-occupied STRs taxed at commercial rates

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Primary Contact - Building Division Permit Section:

General City Contact:

Complaint Reporting:

Source Links

This comprehensive regulatory framework represents Saint Louis's commitment to balancing tourism benefits with neighborhood protection. The city has implemented sophisticated monitoring systems and clear enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with these new requirements. Operators should stay informed about the current legal status and prepare for full compliance once enforcement resumes.

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