Executive Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Sunrise Beach, Missouri. The city currently permits short-term rentals "by default" in residential zoning districts, with no specific restrictions currently in place. However, the Village is actively considering implementing formal regulations for short-term rentals to better manage their proliferation in residential neighborhoods.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Sunrise Beach

Step 1: Zoning Compliance Verification

• Primary Zoning Districts for STRs: R-1 Single Family Residential and C-1 Office/Low Impact Commercial
• Current Status: STRs are permitted in R-1 districts as of the latest zoning code updates
• Future Planning: The city is considering adding STR regulations to the R-1 zoning code with specific conditions (see Proposed Regulations section below)

Step 2: Business License Requirements

• Camden County Business License: Required for all rental property owners in Sunrise Beach
• Application Process: Contact Camden County for business license application and requirements
• Compliance: Ensure all county business regulations are met before operating

Step 3: Tax Registration and Collection

• State Sales Tax: 4.225% state sales tax must be collected from guests
• Local Sales Taxes: Additional applicable local sales taxes may apply
• Registration: Register with Missouri Department of Revenue for tax collection responsibilities

Step 4: Property Preparation and Compliance

• Building and Fire Codes: Ensure property meets all local building and fire code occupancy requirements
• Insurance: Obtain appropriate insurance coverage for short-term rental operations
• HOA/Association Review: Check with homeowners associations or condominium associations for STR restrictions

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Documents and Permits:

1. Camden County Business License

   • Required for all rental property owners
   • Contact Camden County government offices

2. Missouri Sales Tax Permit

   • Required for collecting state and local sales taxes
   • Register with Missouri Department of Revenue

3. Building and Fire Safety Compliance

   • Occupancy permits if required by building codes
   • Fire safety inspections for applicable properties
   • Compliance with local building and fire codes

Recommended Documentation:

• Property insurance policy covering short-term rental activities
• Guest liability coverage
• Local contact information and emergency procedures
• House rules and rental agreements
• Business income tax registration

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Current Regulations (As of 2025):

No city-specific short-term rental regulations are currently in effect. STRs operate under the default zoning permissions in R-1 and C-1 districts.

Proposed Regulations (Under Consideration):

The Village is considering adding the following STR regulations to R-1 zoning districts:

Definition: Short-term rental is defined as "The use of a single-family dwelling unit for temporary lodging purposes, where the duration of occupancy by any guest or group of guests is less than thirty (30) consecutive days, and where the dwelling is not the guest's primary residence."

Proposed Conditions for R-1 Districts:

1. Character Preservation: Must not alter the residential character of the neighborhood or conflict with single-family zoning intent
2. Management Requirements: Owner-occupancy or local management required, with designated 24/7 contact person
3. Occupancy Limits: Maximum occupancy must comply with local building and fire codes
4. Parking Requirements: Off-street parking must be provided for all guest vehicles
5. Signage Restrictions: No signage advertising the rental permitted on the property
6. Nuisance Controls: Noise, trash, and nuisance controls must be enforced with penalties for violations
7. Event Restrictions: No outdoor events, parties, or commercial activities permitted

State-Level Regulations (Missouri):

• Sales Tax Collection: 4.225% state sales tax must be collected and remitted
• Business License Requirements: County business license requirements apply
• Home Business Regulations: Comply with Missouri home business laws if applicable

County-Level Regulations (Camden County):

• Business License: Required for all rental property operations
• County Health Department: Compliance with health and safety regulations as required

Contact Information for Local Authority

Village of Sunrise Beach - Primary Contact:

Mailing Address: PO Box 348, Sunrise Beach, MO 65079
Phone: (573) 374-8782
Website: www.sunrisebeachmo.gov
City Hall Location: 16537 N Highway 5, Sunrise Beach, MO

Key Contacts:

• City Manager: Steve Roth (see meeting minutes and reports)
• Planning and Zoning Secretary: Dalia Shamburg
• City Clerk: Erin Hays
• Planning and Zoning Commission: Meets monthly (see website for current schedule)

Camden County Government:

Phone: Contact Camden County for specific business license department
Website: Contact county website for business license requirements

Missouri Department of Revenue:

Sales Tax Registration: Contact state revenue department for tax permit requirements

Meeting Information:

• Planning and Zoning Commission: First Monday of each month at 5:00 p.M. at Sunrise Beach City Hall
• Public Meetings: Open to the public, livestreamed on Village YouTube channel
• Public Participation: Contact City Hall 24 hours in advance for meeting accommodations

Links to Source Pages

Primary Government Sources:

• Village of Sunrise Beach Website: www.sunrisebeachmo.gov
• Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes: www.sunrisebeachmo.gov/media/746
• Comprehensive Plan Update: www.sunrisebeachmo.gov/media/651
• YouTube Livestream: www.youtube.com/@VillageofSunriseBeachMissouri

Market Analysis Sources:

• AirROI Market Data: www.airroi.com/report/world/united-states/missouri/sunrise-beach
• Summer Vacation Rental Management: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/sunrise-beach-missouri

Investment Considerations and Market Data

Market Performance (2025):

• Active Listings: 248 active short-term rentals
• Median Annual Revenue: $41,773
• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $436
• Occupancy Rate: 36.5%
• Revenue Growth YoY: 22.7%
• Regulation Level: Low (fewer regulations, more operational flexibility)

Seasonal Considerations:

• Peak Season: June, July, August (summer months)
• Peak Revenue Month: July
• Low Season: January, November, December
• Average Booking Lead Time: 69 days overall, 115 days for July

Property Type Preferences:

• Most Common: Houses (85.9% of listings)
• Room Capacity: 3-bedroom properties dominate (30.6% of market)
• Guest Capacity: 8+ guests most common (76.2% of listings)

Important Notes for Investors

1. Regulatory Monitoring: Stay informed about proposed STR regulations currently under consideration by the Planning and Zoning Commission
2. Zoning Compliance: Verify zoning compliance before purchase or conversion to STR
3. County Requirements: Ensure all Camden County business licensing requirements are met
4. Tax Compliance: Register for and comply with all sales tax collection requirements
5. HOA Restrictions: Check homeowners association and condominium association rules before investing
6. Insurance Considerations: Obtain appropriate insurance coverage for STR operations
7. Market Timing: Consider the seasonal nature of the Lake of the Ozarks market when planning investments

The current low-regulation environment provides opportunities for STR investors, but proposed regulations may introduce restrictions. Investors should monitor city planning meetings and stay current with regulatory developments while taking advantage of the currently permissive environment.