What should Columbia hosts know about new residential strs are prohibited?

New residential STRs are prohibited unless the property is located on a 4-lane major road.

Are there rental limits in Columbia?

Property owners are limited to holding exactly one STR permit citywide.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Columbia?

A 500-foot separation distance is required between STR properties in residential zones.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Columbia?

STR permits in residential zones are capped at 0.5% of the city's total housing units.

Columbia, MO STR Regulations

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Regulation details

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Eligibility8 rules

Columbia: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Columbia: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Columbia does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
Columbia limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.

Requirements11 rules

Columbia requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Certificate of Compliance". Apply through Community Development Department. Processing time: 4-8 weeks. Renewal is required.
Columbia: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
Columbia: A 500-foot separation distance is required between STR properties in residential zones.

Application process8 rules

Columbia extended permit requirement: Initial application fee includes inspection. A separate business license fee (typically $25-$130) may apply based on property type.

Fees & costs1 rule

Columbia charges a registration fee of $130 (annual).

Taxes2 rules

Columbia charges a Accommodations Tax of 0.05%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb remits state taxes; hosts are responsible for ensuring city accommodations taxes are remitted.
Missouri has a state sales tax of 0.04225% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions7 rules

Columbia occupancy calculation: Determined by building inspection but generally capped at 8 people.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Columbia: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
Columbia: Property owners are limited to holding exactly one STR permit citywide.

Safety requirements1 rule

Columbia requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, 24/7 local point of contact in Boone County, Signage with emergency evacuation map, Occupancy limits must be clearly posted.

Penalties2 rules

Columbia enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning or fine per code violation. Second offense: Increased fines and possible license suspension. Third offense: Permit revocation and 1-year ban on new application. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions2 rules

Columbia: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Columbia exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfast establishments.

Columbia

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Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently asked questions

1What are the STR permit fees in Columbia, MO?

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