Missouri has no statewide STR preemption. Boone County has not adopted a dedicated short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) ordinance for unincorporated areas. On Feb. 8, 2024, the County Commission adopted Rental Housing Standards under the authority of Mo. Rev. Stat. §64.207 (HB 271, 2021), but those standards apply to longer-term rented residences, not vacation lodging. STR operators must still comply with the underlying zoning district, the Boone County Building Code, and Missouri sales/lodging tax rules. The City of Columbia (most STRs in the county are inside Columbia) enforces its own STR ordinance effective June 1, 2024.
Under Mo. Rev. Stat. §64.207, Boone County is authorized to adopt minimum rental housing standards for unincorporated areas. The Boone County Rental Housing Standards adopted February 8, 2024 require: (a) structural protection from the elements; (b) access to water service including hot water; (c) sewer service; (d) electrical service; (e) heat; and (f) basic security including locking doors and windows. Tenant complaints are handled by the Director of Resource Management. The standards do not establish a registration program for short-term/transient rentals, which are usually handled through zoning and building-occupancy review. STR operators in unincorporated Boone County must (1) confirm the use is allowed in the underlying zoning district under the Boone County Zoning Ordinance, (2) ensure the dwelling complies with the adopted Building Code and any septic permit (Boone County is on private septic for most rural parcels), and (3) collect Missouri 4.225% state sales tax plus county/local taxes. STRs inside Columbia are governed by Columbia Code Ch. 22 (STR ordinance effective June 1, 2024) which requires a city business license and STR permit. Other incorporated cities (Ashland, Centralia, Hallsville, Sturgeon) administer their own rules.
Unincorporated areas: violations of zoning or building code may be enforced by Resource Management as misdemeanors or by injunctive action. Rental Housing Standards complaints can result in habitability orders and (in unresolved cases) civil enforcement, but Mo. Rev. Stat. §64.207 caps fines for violations and bars rent-withholding remedies. Inside Columbia, operating an STR without a permit violates Columbia city ordinance and may carry fines up to $500/day plus revocation.
See how Boone County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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