Short-Term Rental Regulations
in St. Charles, MO

Airbnb listings are allowed in St. Charles, MO, but with restrictions. STRs are limited to properties within the EHP (Extended Historic Preservation) District; residential STRs are capped at 0.15% of total housing units (allowing up to 48 units) and the City states it is currently at that maximum (no new residential applications accepted); proposed residential STRs must meet a 500-foot buffer from other approved/existing residential STRs; only the primary residence (primary structure) may be used as a short-term rental; off-street parking required (one space per bedroom), mandatory noise monitoring device, no amplified sound audible at property line 10:00 pm–10:00 am, and occupancy limited to the primary structure. 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.

STRs are limited to properties within the EHP (Extended Historic Preservation) District; residential STRs are capped at 0.15% of total housing units (allowing up to 48 units) and the City states it is currently at that maximum (no new residential applications accepted); proposed residential STRs must meet a 500-foot buffer from other approved/existing residential STRs; only the primary residence (primary structure) may be used as a short-term rental; off-street parking required (one space per bedroom), mandatory noise monitoring device, no amplified sound audible at property line 10:00 pm–10:00 am, and occupancy limited to the primary structure.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in St. Charles. 1) For residentially zoned properties: obtain Conditional Use Permit approval (public hearing and City Council decision) before applying for the Short Term Rental Permit; for commercially zoned properties within the EHP overlay a Conditional Use Permit is not required—contact staff to begin application. 2) Submit the City Short-Term Rental Permit application (Short-Term Rental Permit form) and pay stated fee (application PDF lists Fee: $75.00); staff will schedule an annual safety inspection and the permit must be renewed annually (valid through Dec. 31 each year; new permits received after July 1 are prorated). 3) Follow application requirements: maintain guest identification and acknowledgement records for 3 years, post the short-term rental permit number in advertisements, and comply with neighbor notification/processing requirements (seven business day processing period after notification to property owners within 200 feet).

1) For residentially zoned properties: obtain Conditional Use Permit approval (public hearing and City Council decision) before applying for the Short Term Rental Permit; for commercially zoned properties within the EHP overlay a Conditional Use Permit is not required—contact staff to begin application. 2) Submit the City Short-Term Rental Permit application (Short-Term Rental Permit form) and pay stated fee (application PDF lists Fee: $75.00); staff will schedule an annual safety inspection and the permit must be renewed annually (valid through Dec. 31 each year; new permits received after July 1 are prorated). 3) Follow application requirements: maintain guest identification and acknowledgement records for 3 years, post the short-term rental permit number in advertisements, and comply with neighbor notification/processing requirements (seven business day processing period after notification to property owners within 200 feet).

Vrbo is permitted in St. Charles, 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 St. Charles 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 St. Charles. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.