Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Salem, MO

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Vacation rentals are allowed with licensing and are treated as conditional uses in residential districts and permitted uses in commercial zones. Requirements include providing one off-street parking space per guest room, limiting occupancy to two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults, maintaining smoke/CO detectors and fire extinguishers, posting emergency contacts, and remitting a 2% Dent County tourism tax.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a written application on forms provided by the City Clerk and pay the required license fee. 2) Undergo an inspection by the Building Inspector; if favorable, the City Clerk issues the license within 30 days. 3) Correct any identified deficiencies within 30 days for re-inspection. Licenses must be renewed annually by December 31.

Official Resources

Official Salem STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Salem, MO?
Vacation rentals are allowed with licensing and are treated as conditional uses in residential districts and permitted uses in commercial zones. Requirements include providing one off-street parking space per guest room, limiting occupancy to two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults, maintaining smoke/CO detectors and fire extinguishers, posting emergency contacts, and remitting a 2% Dent County tourism tax.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Salem?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Salem. 1) Submit a written application on forms provided by the City Clerk and pay the required license fee. 2) Undergo an inspection by the Building Inspector; if favorable, the City Clerk issues the license within 30 days. 3) Correct any identified deficiencies within 30 days for re-inspection. Licenses must be renewed annually by December 31.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Salem?
1) Submit a written application on forms provided by the City Clerk and pay the required license fee. 2) Undergo an inspection by the Building Inspector; if favorable, the City Clerk issues the license within 30 days. 3) Correct any identified deficiencies within 30 days for re-inspection. Licenses must be renewed annually by December 31.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction