Are there rental limits in Springfield?

Type 2 properties have a density limit of 1 per 8 residential structures on the block face.

What should Springfield hosts know about type 2 applications require 55%?

Type 2 applications require 55% consent from immediate neighbors.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Springfield?

Unrelated guest occupancy is strictly capped at 3 in residential (R-SF/R-TH) zones.

What should Springfield hosts know about the 5% lodging tax is?

The 5% lodging tax is now mandatory as of July 2023 for all STRs.

Springfield, MO Short-Term Rental Regulations & Licensing G…

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Springfield, you must get a city business license and determine if your property is Type 1 (you live there), Type 2 (residential investment), or Type 3 (multi-family/commercial). Type 2 properties in residential neighborhoods are the most restricted, requiring a $715 permit, a neighborhood meeting, and 55% consent from your immediate neighbors. All rentals must pay a 5% local lodging tax in addition to standard sales taxes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$25

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Springfield: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Springfield allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires notarized property owner consent form.
•Springfield does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(12)

•Springfield requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Permit / Business License". Apply through Department of Planning and Development. Processing time: 4-8 weeks. Renewal is required.
•Springfield: Hosts must report their rental activity quarterly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application Process(9)

•How to set up an STR in Springfield: To host an Airbnb in Springfield, you must get a city business license and determine if your property is Type 1 (you live there), Type 2 (residential investment), or Type 3 (multi-family/commercial). Type 2 properties in residential neighborhoods are the most restricted, requiring a $715 permit, a neighborhood meeting, and 55% consent from your immediate neighbors. All rentals must pay a 5% local lodging tax in addition to standard sales taxes.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Springfield charges a registration fee of $25 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $715 (Initial application fee for Type 2 includes $660 Planning fee, $30 inspection, and $25 license; Type 1 is only $25 initial license.).

Taxes(3)

•Springfield charges a Lodging Tax of 0.05%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and Vrbo remit the 5% lodging tax and state sales tax; however, hosts should verify total local compliance.
•Missouri has a state sales tax of 0.04225% that applies to STR rentals.
•Springfield: The 5% lodging tax is now mandatory as of July 2023 for all STRs.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Springfield: Type 2 properties have a density limit of 1 per 8 residential structures on the block face.
•Springfield occupancy calculation: Occupancy limited by zoning: Max 3 unrelated persons in R-SF/R-TH; max 4 unrelated in others.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Springfield requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Certificate of Occupancy required, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms.

Penalties(2)

•Springfield enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: 5% tax penalty for late remittance. Second offense: Permit revocation for non-compliance. Third offense: Legal action and permanent prohibition. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Springfield: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Springfield exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts.
•Springfield: 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.

Springfield

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

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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Springfield

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Springfield?

3Are there rental night limits in Springfield?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Springfield?

Related Content

Other Missouri Markets

Branson

Independence

Jefferson City

St. Louis