Lee's Summit, MO Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Section 6.505(H) of the Unified Development Ordinance puts the noise rule on the wall of the rental itself: the operator must post Section 17-254 in each room for rent. The requirement sits among the other operating conditions in Sec. 6.505. Short term rentals are allowed only in single-family or two-family dwelling units, are barred from accessory dwelling units and accessory structures, are limited to a maximum of two rooms rented to four unrelated guests or a family, require the owner or a local representative to occupy a dwelling unit on the same or an adjacent parcel, and require a City business license plus license taxes under Chapter 28, Division 7.

What guests are agreeing to is the Noise Control Ordinance in Chapter 17, Article IX. Section 17-254.A bars anyone from unreasonably making, continuing or causing any noise disturbance. Sec. 17-252 defines that as sound which endangers the safety or health of humans or animals, annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities, or endangers persons or real property. The article then lists specific acts. A radio, television, musical instrument, sound amplifier or similar device cannot create a noise disturbance across a real property boundary between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The same overnight window covers loading and unloading of boxes, crates and containers, and the outdoor use of saws, drills, sanders, grinders and lawn or garden tools in residential areas. Animals are covered too: a pet that frequently or for continued duration howls, barks or meows across a residential property boundary is a violation under 17-254.B.4.

Section 17-256 adds measured limits at the boundary of the receiving residential property: 55 dBA from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 50 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. A source that emits a pure tone or impulsive sound has its limit reduced by five dBA. The numeric limits do not apply to the unamplified human voice, but the general ban in 17-254.A still reaches voices that disturb a reasonable person.

The Police Department runs the program. The Chief of Police appoints a Noise Control Officer who can inspect property with the owner's permission, seek a search warrant when permission is refused, and investigate and pursue violations with the City Prosecutor (Sec. 17-253). The current text of Sec. 6.505 carries the history note Ord. No. 9812, 12-12-2023.