Fayetteville, AR Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Occupancy Cap
- 2 people per bedroom
- License
- Approved occupancy cannot be exceeded
- Eligible Structures
- Permanent dwellings and ADUs only
- Code
- Sec. 164.26(B)
Summary
Fayetteville caps short-term rental occupancy at two people per bedroom under Sec. 164.26(B), and the approved occupancy on the business license cannot be exceeded. Special events are separately prohibited.
Occupancy. Maximum of two (2) people per bedroom, when operated as a short-term rental.
(C) Parking. Parking is limited to the maximum number of vehicles as allowed by the underlying zoning district for the residential building on the property.
(D) Special events are not permitted in a short-term rental. Example of special events include, but are not limited to, weddings, receptions, anniversaries, private parties, fundraisers and business seminars.
(E) Short-term rental units are allowed in any structure established as a permanent dwelling including an accessory dwelling unit. No recreational vehicle, trailer, other vehicle or structure not classified as a permanent dwelling may be used as a short-term rental.
(F) Exceptions. Exceptions to the short-term rental standards, except proposals that would exceed the city-wide density maximum, may be granted by the Planning Commission as a conditional use permit.
(G) Short-term rentals must comply with all applicable codes under City Code §118.01 and successfully obtain a business license prior to operation.
(Ord. No. 6945, §8(Exh. G), 12-16-25)
Editor's note— Ord. No. 6945, §8(Exh. G), adopted Dec. 16, 2025, repealed the former §164.26, and enacted a new §164.26 as set out herein. The former §164.26 pertained to Type 2 Short-Term Rentals in Non-Residential and Mixed-use Zoning Districts and derived from Ord. No. 6630 , §6(Exh. C), adopted Dec. 20, 2022.
Full Breakdown
Section 164.26(B) sets a firm maximum of two people per bedroom when a dwelling operates as a short-term rental. The occupancy approved with the business license cannot be exceeded (Sec. 118.01(E)(9)(a)), and listings must accurately reflect it. Only structures classified as permanent dwellings, including accessory dwelling units, may be rented; RVs, trailers, and other non-dwelling structures are prohibited. Combined with the ban on special events, the two-per-bedroom rule keeps STRs from overwhelming residential neighborhoods.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding approved occupancy violates Sec. 118.01(E) and Sec. 164.26(B). Advertising or hosting over the limit can lead to citation and business-license review or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can stay in a Fayetteville short-term rental?
Can I rent out an RV or trailer as an STR?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fayetteville
Compare Fayetteville to another location·View the Arkansas short-term rentals overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.