Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Bates County, MO

Airbnb listings are allowed in Bates County, MO, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are defined as lodging units rented for 1-30 nights with a minimum floor area of 800 sq ft. They are governed as rental dwelling units requiring a Residential Occupancy Permit, an inspection for International Property Maintenance Code compliance, and mandatory off-street parking within 1,000 feet. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals are defined as lodging units rented for 1-30 nights with a minimum floor area of 800 sq ft. They are governed as rental dwelling units requiring a Residential Occupancy Permit, an inspection for International Property Maintenance Code compliance, and mandatory off-street parking within 1,000 feet.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Bates County. 1) Apply to the City of Butler for a Residential Occupancy Permit. 2) Schedule and pass an inspection for conformance with the International Property Maintenance Code and verify off-street parking within 1,000 feet. 3) Obtain the permit; note that a new permit is required whenever occupancy changes or after 90 days for vacant units.

1) Apply to the City of Butler for a Residential Occupancy Permit. 2) Schedule and pass an inspection for conformance with the International Property Maintenance Code and verify off-street parking within 1,000 feet. 3) Obtain the permit; note that a new permit is required whenever occupancy changes or after 90 days for vacant units.

Vrbo is permitted in Bates County, MO under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Bates County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Bates County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.