Kirkwood, MO Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Kirkwood regulates short-term rentals through the Zoning and Subdivision Code (Chapter 25). Short-term rentals are permitted only in owner-occupied detached single-family dwellings, and the owner must maintain the dwelling as a permanent residence and reside on the premises whenever a short-term rental guest is present. Not more than one short-term rental is permitted on each block, which significantly limits density and the potential for noise concentration. A 24-hour, 7-day local contact person must be designated who can respond to any complaint within 45 minutes, and noise complaints are typically the trigger for enforcement. Noise itself is governed by Kirkwood's general public-peace ordinance under Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code, which makes it unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that unreasonably annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others in the City. The ordinance specifically prohibits operating a radio, television, musical instrument, phonograph, or other sound-producing device in a manner that disturbs neighboring inhabitants. Operation of any such device between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure, or vehicle in which it is located is prima facie evidence of a violation. The general nuisance prohibition applies at all hours, not only the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. window. Animals or birds kept at the property that disturb the comfort or repose of persons in the vicinity by long, continual, or frequent noise are also a separate violation. Missouri has no statewide STR licensing statute; transient lodging tax authority comes from RSMo Chapter 67 (county/municipal lodging tax provisions) and the city's own occupancy permit and business license requirements under Chapter 13. Because Kirkwood requires the owner to be present and caps rentals at one per block, party-house operations are essentially impossible to permit lawfully.