Lincoln, NE Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Revocation trigger
- 3+ verified noise complaints in 1 year
- Decision maker
- Building Official, discretionary
- Annual license fee
- $250
- Unlicensed operation penalty
- Up to $500 fine, 6 months jail
Summary
Lincoln can revoke a short-term rental license after three or more verified noise or disturbance complaints in one calendar year, giving the Building Official discretion to shut a noisy rental down.
The Building Official may revoke any license issued under this article if:
a. The licensed premises is the subject of three (3) or more verified complaints of noise or other disturbance in the course of one (1) calendar year;
b. The licensed premises no longer satisfy the minimum health and safety requirements of the Building Official; c. The licensed premises are otherwise determined to be uninhabitable. d. The applicant fails to pay the annual license fee. (Ord. 21075 §5; June 14, 2021).
Full Breakdown
Under Lincoln Municipal Code § 5.39.040, the Building Official may revoke a short-term rental license when the licensed premises is the subject of three or more verified complaints of noise or other disturbance within one calendar year. The same section allows revocation for failing minimum health and safety standards, becoming uninhabitable, or missing the $250 annual license fee. Revocation is discretionary, not automatic: the statute says the Building Official "may" act once complaints are verified. Losing the license means the operator can no longer legally advertise or rent the unit as a short-term rental within Lincoln city limits.
Violations & Fines
Renting or advertising a short-term rental without a valid license, including after revocation, is a misdemeanor under § 5.39.050: up to $500 fine and up to six months in jail, with escalating minimum fines ($200/$300/$400) for repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lincoln revoke my short-term rental license over noise complaints?
Is revocation automatic after three noise complaints?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
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