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

MissouriUpdated Mar 25, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 7, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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

Severity 100

Classification

Prohibited

100

Severity

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

What this means for you

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

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$150

Processing time2-4 weeks

Max fine$500

3 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Special Use Permits are required for most residential neighborhoods (R-1, R-2, R-3) and require a public hearing.
2Parking must be provided off-street on a paved surface (one space per sleeping room).
3Total occupancy is capped at 10 regardless of house size.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility4 rules

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.

Requirements10 rules

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 process7 rules

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 & costs1 rule

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

Taxes2 rules

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 & restrictions5 rules

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 requirements1 rule

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.

Penalties2 rules

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.

Exemptions2 rules

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).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Cape Girardeau

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Zoning Verification

Check the official city zoning map. If located in R-1, R-2, or R-3, apply for a Special Use Permit through the Planning and Zoning Commission.

1 weekFree

Documents needed

Property Address

Official resource

Step 2

Obtain No Tax Due Statement

Request a statement from the Missouri Department of Revenue showing no taxes are owed to the state.

1-3 daysFree

Documents needed

Tax ID

Official resource

Step 3

Schedule Fire Inspection

Contact the Cape Girardeau Fire Department to schedule a life-safety inspection of the rental unit.

1 weekFree

Official resource

Step 4

Submit Business License Application

Submit the general business license application to the City Clerk’s office with the $150 fee.

1-2 weeks$150

Documents needed

No Tax Due Statement
Inspection Report
Site Plan

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Cape Girardeau

Prohibited

MissouriUpdated Mar 25, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 7, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 100

Classification

Prohibited

100

Severity

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

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$150

Processing time2-4 weeks

Max fine$500

3 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Special Use Permits are required for most residential neighborhoods (R-1, R-2, R-3) and require a public hearing.
2Parking must be provided off-street on a paved surface (one space per sleeping room).
3Total occupancy is capped at 10 regardless of house size.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility4 rules

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.

Requirements10 rules

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 process7 rules

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 & costs1 rule

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

Taxes2 rules

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 & restrictions5 rules

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 requirements1 rule

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.

Penalties2 rules

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.

Exemptions2 rules

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).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Cape Girardeau

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Zoning Verification

Check the official city zoning map. If located in R-1, R-2, or R-3, apply for a Special Use Permit through the Planning and Zoning Commission.

1 weekFree

Documents needed

Property Address

Official resource

Step 2

Obtain No Tax Due Statement

Request a statement from the Missouri Department of Revenue showing no taxes are owed to the state.

1-3 daysFree

Documents needed

Tax ID

Official resource

Step 3

Schedule Fire Inspection

Contact the Cape Girardeau Fire Department to schedule a life-safety inspection of the rental unit.

1 weekFree

Official resource

Step 4

Submit Business License Application

Submit the general business license application to the City Clerk’s office with the $150 fee.

1-2 weeks$150

Documents needed

No Tax Due Statement
Inspection Report
Site Plan

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

3 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Zoning Verification

Obtain No Tax Due Statement

Schedule Fire Inspection

Submit Business License Application

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?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

3 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Zoning Verification

Obtain No Tax Due Statement

Schedule Fire Inspection

Submit Business License Application

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?

Disclaimer