Short-term rental permit rules in Lincoln, NE — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Lincoln requires a Short-Term Rental License under LMC Chapter 5.39 (Ordinance 21075, effective September 2021). License costs $250 annually per rental unit through Building and Safety. STRs are conditionally permitted in most residential and commercial zoning districts.
Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 5.39, enacted by Ordinance 21075 in June 2021, requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a license from the Building and Safety Department before listing or renting a unit for 30 or fewer consecutive days. The license fee is $250 per rental unit and must be renewed annually. STRs are conditionally permitted in AG, AGR, R-1 through R-8, O-1 through O-3, R-T, B-1 through B-5, H-1 through H-4 zoning districts. The application requires proof of ownership, a floor plan showing sleeping areas, evidence of liability insurance, and agreement to comply with all occupancy and safety standards. It became unlawful as of August 1, 2021 to advertise or operate a short-term rental without a valid license. Nebraska state law LB 57 (NRS 18-1758) prohibits cities from banning STRs outright but allows regulation of zoning, noise, property maintenance, and fire/building codes. Contact Building and Safety at (402) 441-7521.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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