Springfield, MO Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning
- R-SF or R-TH districts only
- Occupancy
- Must be owner's primary residence
- License
- Annual business license required
- Location
- Primary structure or carriage house
Summary
Springfield's Type 1 short-term rental permit covers only owner-occupied stays under 30 days in R-SF or R-TH zoning districts, requiring the unit be the operator's actual primary residence plus an annual business license.
(1)Short-term rental type 1.(a)This section (1) shall apply to a short-term rental use that:1.Is rented for periods of less than 30 consecutive days;2.Is located within a R-SF or R-TH zoning district; and3.Is a residential dwelling that is the primary residence of the short-term rental owner or operator.(b)The following provisions shall apply to a short-term rental type 1:1.A short-term rental type 1 shall only be located in the primary structure or a historic carriage house per section 36-464;2.Annual business license shall be obtained;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The Land Development Code splits short-term rentals into three types by zoning and occupancy. Type 1 applies only where the rented dwelling, in an R-SF (single-family) or R-TH (townhouse) district, is the owner or operator's primary residence. It must sit in the primary structure or a historic carriage house permitted under Sec. 36-464, and the operator needs an annual business license. Unlike Type 2 (a non-primary-residence rental in the same districts), Type 1 skips the $350 permit fee, neighborhood meeting, and 500-foot density spacing rule. Advertising a noncompliant Type 1 rental, including through a third-party platform, is itself a separate violation of the section.
Violations & Fines
Advertising or promoting a Type 1 rental that isn't the owner's primary residence, isn't in the primary structure or carriage house, or lacks the annual business license violates Sec. 36-473 and can draw fines under its penalty clause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I short-term rent a house I don't live in under Type 1?
Do I need a special permit for a Type 1 short-term rental in Springfield?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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