St. Louis MO Short Term Rental Regulations: Your Complete Guide to Navigate the Regulatory Maze

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Regulations may have changed since publication. Always check with local authorities and consult a legal professional before making investment decisions.

Introduction to Short-Term Rentals in St. Louis

St. Louis presents a fascinating case study in short-term rental regulation—a city that went from completely unregulated to implementing one of the most comprehensive STR ordinances in Missouri, only to see enforcement temporarily halted by legal challenges.

The Gateway City has emerged as an attractive destination for STR investors thanks to its affordable real estate prices, growing tourism sector, and central location. With attractions like the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, and a thriving downtown entertainment district, St. Louis draws visitors year-round. The city’s numerous universities, medical centers, and convention facilities create steady demand for short-term accommodations.

However, the regulatory landscape has been anything but straightforward. After years of discussion beginning in 2018, St. Louis enacted its first-ever short-term rental ordinance (71729) in November 2023. The ordinance went into effect on November 6, 2024, with a May 6, 2025 deadline for all operators to obtain permits. But just days before the deadline, a court order paused enforcement due to constitutional challenges.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the complex regulatory environment, current legal status, and what STR operators need to know about operating in St. Louis in 2025.

Current Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements in St. Louis

IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of May 2025, a court order has prohibited the City of St. Louis from enforcing Ordinance 71729, which governs short-term rentals. While the court’s order is in effect, the City will not be enforcing permit requirements. However, operators should prepare for eventual enforcement once legal challenges are resolved.

When Enforcement Resumes: Required Permits

St. Louis recognizes two types of short-term rental permits:

1. Short-Term Rental, Occupied Permit: For properties used as the principal residence by either the owner or authorized tenant/lessee
   • Application fee: $150
   • Annual renewal required
   • Property inspection mandatory
2. Short-Term Rental, Non-Occupied Permit: For properties not used as a principal residence
   • Application fee: $150
   • Annual renewal required
   • Business license required (additional step)
   • Maximum of 4 permits per person citywide

Key Application Requirements

When enforcement resumes, applicants must provide:

• Proof of property ownership or notarized owner authorization
• Completed online application through the city’s portal
• Contact information for a local agent available 24/7 who can respond within one hour
• Properties in Zone A (Single-Family Residential) must complete a conditional use hearing
• No outstanding taxes or obligations to the City of St. Louis

The Building Division aims to evaluate applications within 15 business days after inspection, though processing times may vary based on application volume.

Zoning Regulations for STRs in St. Louis

Understanding zoning is critical for determining STR eligibility:

Permitted Zones

STRs are generally allowed in:

• Commercial districts (C-1, C-2, etc.)
• Mixed-use zones
• Multi-family residential zones (with restrictions)

Restricted Areas

STR operators in areas zoned for single-family residential use will be required to go through public conditional use hearings to apply for a permit. This adds significant time and complexity to the application process.

Multi-Unit Building Restrictions

The ordinance places restrictions on how many STRs can operate in multi-family structures:

• Buildings with 4 or fewer units: Maximum 50% can be STRs
• Larger buildings have percentage caps based on total units
• In a structure with 24 units, there could be no more than 3 short-term rentals, non-occupied

Individual Ownership Limits

One person can hold a maximum of four permits, and permits can only be issued to individuals, not LLCs.

Required Documentation for St. Louis Short-Term Rentals

When enforcement resumes, maintain these essential documents:

1. STR Permit: Must be displayed in property
2. Business License: Required for non-occupied permits
3. Missouri Sales Tax License: For tax collection and remittance
4. Local Contact Designation: 24/7 available representative
5. Property Safety Documentation: Compliance with safety codes
6. Liability Insurance: Recommended coverage
7. Guest Rules: Must be posted in unit
8. Occupancy Documentation: Based on square footage limits

St. Louis Short-Term Rental Taxes

STR operators in St. Louis face multiple tax obligations:

State Taxes

• Missouri Sales Tax: 4.225%
• State Lodging Tax: Various rates apply

Local Taxes

These include the 4.225% State Sales Tax, 3.5% Convention and Sports Tax, 3.75% Convention Tourism Tax, and the new 3% STR fee.

New 3% STR Fee

City voters approved a new 3% fee on STRs, with at least half of the proceeds going to an affordable housing fund and the rest going to other housing initiatives.

Collection Responsibilities

While Airbnb collects state and local taxes for its St. Louis listings, Vrbo does not. Operators are responsible for collecting and remitting taxes that aren’t collected for them.

Tax Registration

Operators must register with appropriate tax authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable taxes, even during the current enforcement pause.

Safety Requirements and Inspections

When permits are required, properties must meet these safety standards:

Required Safety Equipment

The Short-Term Rental unit shall have working smoke detectors inside and outside every bedroom, carbon monoxide alarms outside every bedroom, and a properly maintained and charged fire extinguisher on all habitable floors.

Additional Safety Requirements

• Clear emergency exits
• Posted emergency contact information
• Address visible from street for emergency services
• Compliance with building and fire codes

Inspection Process

When enforcement resumes, properties will require inspection before permit issuance, with potential annual re-inspections to verify ongoing compliance.

St. Louis vs. St. Louis County: Regulation Comparison

Understanding the difference between city and county regulations is important:

City of St. Louis

• Comprehensive permit system (currently under legal challenge)
• Strict enforcement mechanisms planned
• Multiple tax layers
• Maximum 4 permits per person
• Conditional use hearings required in residential zones

St. Louis County

St. Louis County appears to have a lax approach to STR enforcement compared to the City of St. Louis. Many hosts on BiggerPockets report operating without permits and receiving little pushback from the county.

• Less structured permit system
• $500 fee for initial permits or $250 for annual renewals
• More permissive regulatory approach
• Less intensive enforcement

Many investors have found county properties offer more regulatory flexibility while still providing access to St. Louis tourism markets.

Enforcement of STR Rules in St. Louis

Current Status

While the court’s order is in effect, the City will not be enforcing the permit requirements of Ordinance 71729. However, this is temporary, and enforcement mechanisms are already in place for when legal challenges are resolved.

Planned Enforcement Mechanisms

The City has contracted with Host Compliance through Granicus to establish real-time issue monitoring. This system will:

• Scan platforms like Airbnb and VRBO
• Use human analysts to identify unpermitted properties
• Monitor compliance in real-time

STR Complaint Hotline

The city will have an STR-specific hotline, both online and by phone at (314) 798-9245, where residents can report short-term rental-related issues.

Penalties When Enforcement Resumes

Fully adjudicated violations prosecuted in municipal court involving a property that is a Short-Term Rental Unit will be assessed a $500.00 fine per violation.

When there are three (3) violation notices within twenty four (24) consecutive months, the City shall revoke any existing permits and reject all applications for that property for up to twelve (12) consecutive months.

Operational Requirements and Restrictions

When the ordinance is enforced, STRs must comply with these operational standards:

Minimum Stay Requirements

The law requires a minimum stay of two nights — a measure designed to reduce the number of parties held at STR properties.

Prohibited Activities

The Short-Term Rental unit may not be rented or offered for use as reception space, party space, meeting space, or for other similar events.

Food Service Restrictions

No food service may be provided by the permit holder; prepackaged foods and beverages may be provided in the Short-Term Rental Unit.

Signage Restrictions

No exterior evidence that the property is being used as a Short-Term Rental shall be allowed, including signs, with the exception of a marker limited to one (1) foot by one (1) foot in size issued by the City.

24/7 Agent Requirement

Short-Term Rental Units will be required to have a dedicated Short-Term Rental Agent capable of addressing concerns 24/7.

Legal Challenges and Current Status

The Lawsuit

A class-action lawsuit filed by a short-term rental owner in April claims the city’s law is unconstitutional, citing the Hancock Amendment, which prohibits a municipality from levying any tax, license, or fees without the approval of the required majority of qualified voters.

Impact on Operators

Before the court halted the new law, owners of short-term rentals called the licensing process extremely stressful. The ordinance calls for inspections, business licenses and even public hearings, with an owner telling us there were too many applications for the city to handle.

Platform Implications

McCracken said Airbnb even began threatening to remove owners from the platform if they didn’t meet the May 6 deadline, highlighting the complexity operators faced.

How to Prepare for Future STR Operations in St. Louis

While enforcement is paused, smart operators are preparing for eventual compliance:

Step 1: Market Research & Property Assessment

• Research neighborhoods for STR potential
• Evaluate proximity to attractions (Gateway Arch, Forest Park, downtown)
• Consider seasonal demand patterns
• Analyze comparable rental rates and occupancy

Step 2: Zoning & Legal Preparation

• Verify property zoning status
• Prepare for potential conditional use hearings if in residential zones
• Monitor legal developments in the ordinance challenge
• Consider properties in St. Louis County for more regulatory flexibility

Step 3: Property Setup & Safety Compliance

• Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers)
• Ensure property meets building codes
• Create clear emergency exit plans
• Address visibility from street for emergency services

Step 4: Documentation Preparation

• Gather ownership documentation
• Identify potential 24/7 local agent
• Prepare business registration if needed
• Set up tax collection systems

Step 5: Tax Compliance Setup

• Register with Missouri Department of Revenue
• Set up systems for collecting and remitting multiple tax obligations
• Consider professional tax assistance given complexity

Step 6: Monitor Legal Developments

• Stay updated on court decisions regarding the ordinance
• Prepare to act quickly when enforcement resumes
• Join local STR operator groups for updates and support

Who to Contact About St. Louis STR Regulations

City of St. Louis Building Division

• Phone: (314) 622-3315
• Address: 1200 Market Street, City Hall, Room 426, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2826
• Hours: Monday – Friday Phone Hours 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM, Permits Section Office Hours M-Th 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, F 8:00 AM – 4:00PM

STR Complaint Hotline (when active)

• Phone: (314) 798-9245

Missouri Department of Revenue

• Website: revenue.mo.gov
• For tax registration and compliance questions

St. Louis County Planning (for county properties)

• Different regulations and requirements apply outside city limits

Future Outlook for St. Louis STR Regulations

Legal Resolution Expected

The current court challenge will eventually be resolved, likely resulting in either:

• Modified ordinance addressing constitutional concerns
• Full implementation of current regulations
• Further revisions based on court guidance

Regulatory Trends to Watch

• Enhanced technology integration for monitoring compliance
• Potential adjustments to tax structure
• Possible modifications to permit limits or zoning restrictions
• Continued focus on neighborhood impact mitigation

Market Implications

Despite regulatory uncertainty, St. Louis remains attractive for STR investment due to:

• Affordable real estate entry points
• Growing tourism infrastructure
• Central location attracting regional visitors
• Strong university and medical center presence

Advice from St. Louis STR Market Participants

Based on community discussions and market observations:

“The regulatory uncertainty has created opportunity for informed investors who are prepared to move quickly once the legal situation resolves. Properties that would normally be competitive are sitting longer on the market.” – Local real estate investor

“We’ve found that maintaining high operational standards and good neighbor relationships helps regardless of the regulatory environment. When enforcement does resume, operators with track records of responsible hosting will likely face fewer challenges.” – Experienced STR operator

“The key is staying flexible. Some operators are looking at county properties where regulations are clearer, while others are preparing to comply with city requirements once they’re enforceable.” – Property management company

Ready to Navigate St. Louis Short-Term Rentals?

St. Louis offers significant potential for STR investors who understand the complex regulatory landscape and are prepared to adapt as legal challenges resolve. The city’s affordable real estate, growing tourism sector, and central location continue to make it an attractive market despite regulatory uncertainty.

The current legal pause provides a unique window for informed investors to position themselves strategically. Properties that would normally face intense competition may be available at better terms while the market adjusts to regulatory uncertainty.

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Remember: Always consult with local legal and tax professionals before making investment decisions. The regulatory landscape in St. Louis is particularly complex and subject to ongoing legal developments.