What should Cape Girardeau hosts know about special use permits are required?

Special Use Permits are required for most residential neighborhoods (R-1, R-2, R-3) and require a public hearing.

What are the key requirements for Cape Girardeau hosts?

Parking must be provided off-street on a paved surface (one space per sleeping room).

What should Cape Girardeau hosts know about total occupancy is capped at?

Total occupancy is capped at 10 regardless of house size.

Cape Girardeau

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

MissouriLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 7, 2026

Summary

Cape Girardeau requires a business license for all short-term rentals and limits their operation by right to higher-density residential and commercial zones, while requiring a Special Use Permit in low-density residential areas.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Banned in all/most residential zones
•Standard permit fee: $150
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To operate an Airbnb or VRBO in Cape Girardeau, you must obtain a city business license and ensure your property is in a permitted zone. If your house is in a strictly residential (R-1, R-2, or R-3) neighborhood, you will likely need to apply for a Special Use Permit before you can host.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$500

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Cape Girardeau: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Cape Girardeau does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Cape Girardeau: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(10)

•Cape Girardeau does not require liability insurance for STR hosts, but it is strongly recommended.
•Cape Girardeau requires STR registration. The permit is called "General Business License". Apply through City Clerk / Community Development. Processing time: 2-4 weeks. Renewal is required.

Application Process(7)

•How to set up an STR in Cape Girardeau: To operate an Airbnb or VRBO in Cape Girardeau, you must obtain a city business license and ensure your property is in a permitted zone. If your house is in a strictly residential (R-1, R-2, or R-3) neighborhood, you will likely need to apply for a Special Use Permit before you can host.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Cape Girardeau charges a registration fee of $150 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Missouri has a state sales tax of 0.04225% that applies to STR rentals.
•Cape Girardeau charges a Convention and Tourism Tax of 0.04%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally remit Missouri State and Local Sales tax; however, hosts should verify the specific 4% Tourism Tax remittance.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Cape Girardeau limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, up to a maximum of 10
•Cape Girardeau limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Cape Girardeau: Total occupancy is capped at 10 regardless of house size.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Cape Girardeau requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms, Interconnected smoke alarms, Parking must be on a paved surface.

Penalties(2)

•Cape Girardeau: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Cape Girardeau enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Notice of Violation. Second offense: Fines per Municipal Code General Penalty. Third offense: Permit Revocation. Maximum fine: 500. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Cape Girardeau exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Bed and Breakfasts (regulated under separate code), Hotels/Motels.
•Cape Girardeau: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Missouri Markets

Branson

Missouri

Moderate

The City of Branson requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a specific STR Business License and pass an annual fire inspection. Rentals are permitted only in specific residential and commercial zones, and hosts must collect and remit a 4% city tourism tax.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Springfield

Missouri

Moderate

Springfield regulates short-term rentals through a three-tier system (Type 1, 2, and 3) based on owner-occupancy and zoning, requiring all hosts to obtain a business license and certain types to pass density and neighbor consent requirements.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Independence

Missouri

Moderate

Independence requires a short-term rental permit and an annual business license, subject to a strict 500-foot buffer rule and a 1-per-8 structure density cap on residential block faces.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

St. Louis

Missouri

Moderate

The City of St. Louis requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual permit and undergo a safety inspection. Regulations differentiate between Type 1 (primary residence) and Type 2 (non-primary) hosts, with higher fees for non-owner occupied units.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Cape Girardeau

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Cape Girardeau

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Cape Girardeau?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Cape Girardeau?

3Are there zoning restrictions for rentals in Cape Girardeau?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Cape Girardeau?

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