What are the permit fees in Independence?

500-foot distance rule: No two STR properties may have property lines within 500 feet of each other.

What are the key requirements for Independence hosts?

Unhosted requirement: Operators are explicitly forbidden from living in the unit while it is being rented.

What are the key requirements for Independence hosts?

Noise Monitoring: A continuous noise monitoring device (like Minut or WYND) must be installed and operational during all stays.

What should Independence hosts know about multi-family ban: strs are completely?

Multi-family ban: STRs are completely prohibited in apartments or buildings with more than 2 units.

Independence, MO Short-Term Rental Regulation Guide

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 26 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Moderate permit fee: $350
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Independence, you must first confirm your home isn't within 500 feet of another rental and fits the density limit for your block. You need to pass a safety inspection, install a noise monitoring device, and obtain both a city STR permit and an annual business license. Owners are prohibited from living in the unit while guests are present, meaning the entire home must be rented out unhosted.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.2%

Permit Fee

$350

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.500-foot distance rule: No two STR properties may have property lines within 500 feet of each other.
2.Unhosted requirement: Operators are explicitly forbidden from living in the unit while it is being rented.
3.Noise Monitoring: A continuous noise monitoring device (like Minut or WYND) must be installed and operational during all stays.
4.Multi-family ban: STRs are completely prohibited in apartments or buildings with more than 2 units.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Independence prohibits STRs in the following property types: Multi-family housing units (apartments), Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
•Independence allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family Dwelling, Duplex Dwelling, Residential units in commercial buildings.
•Independence does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.

Requirements(12)

•Independence: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
•Independence requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $1,000,000. Or conduct each transaction through a platform providing equal or greater coverage.
•Independence STR warning: Unhosted requirement: Operators are explicitly forbidden from living in the unit while it is being rented.

Application Process(8)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Independence: Step 1: Verify Proximity and Density - Call the Community Development Department (816-325-7421) to confirm your property is not within 500 feet of an existing STR and meets the 1-per-8 block face limit. Estimated time: 1-2 days. More info: https://www.independencemo.gov/government/city-departments/community-development/short-term-rentals Step 2: Submit STR Permit Application - Apply through the city's online portal (via Deckard/Stripe). You must upload your floor, parking, evacuation, noise, and trash plans at this time. Documents needed: Floor Plan, Parking Plan, Evacuation Plan, Noise Management Plan, Trash Plan. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 350. More info: https://cityofindependence.deckard.com/ Step 3: Pass Rental Ready Inspection - Schedule a health and safety inspection with a city-approved inspector to verify the property meets 16 life-safety items. Documents needed: Safety Checklist. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 100. More info: https://www.independencemo.gov/government/city-departments/community-development/rental-housing Step 4: Obtain Occupation License - Apply for an annual business license (Occupation License) from the Business License staff once the STR permit and inspection are approved. Documents needed: Approved STR Permit, Proof of Insurance. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 150. More info: https://www.independencemo.gov/government/city-departments/finance/business-licensing

Fees & Costs(2)

•Independence charges a registration fee of $350 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $150 (Annual Occupation (Business) License fee is $150; Rental Ready inspection fee is $100 every 2 years.).
•Independence: 500-foot distance rule: No two STR properties may have property lines within 500 feet of each other.

Taxes(2)

•Independence charges a Transient Guest Tax of 0.075%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb remits the voluntary collection agreement portion; hosts must present evidence of this agreement during application.
•Missouri has a state sales tax of 0.04225% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Independence limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 guests per bedroom, excluding children 5 and under; absolute max of 10
•Independence occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom, excluding children 5 and under; absolute max of 10. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Independence enforces quiet hours: 10pm-8am.
•Independence limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Independence requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Map identifying escape routes in each room, Child-proofed electrical outlets, Continuous noise monitoring device, Rental Ready safety inspection, Trash containers must not be left outdoors.

Penalties(2)

•Independence enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $25-$500 fine per day. Second offense: Increased fines and possible permit suspension. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $500 per day. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Independence: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

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

Independence

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(8)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

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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Independence

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 Independence?

2What are the location restrictions for rentals in Independence?

3What is the TOT tax rate in Independence?

4Can I live in my home while renting it out in Independence?

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Branson

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