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Columbia, MO Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Applies in
City of Columbia, Missouri
County
Boone County
Application/inspection fee
$130 per unit
Reinspection fee
$70, if needed
Business license fee
Waived through July 1, 2026

Summary

Columbia, Missouri charges a combined $130 application and inspection fee for every short-term rental unit, plus a $70 reinspection fee if one is needed.

The following fees shall apply to short-term rental units: (1) There shall be a combined application and inspection fee of one hundred thirty dollars ($130.00) for a short-term rental unit. (2) If required, there shall be an additional reinspection fee of seventy dollars ($70.00) per dwelling unit.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 138).

Full Breakdown

Columbia Code of Ordinances § 22-188(b) sets the fees for short-term rental certificates of compliance in the city at a combined $130 application and inspection fee per unit, with an additional $70 reinspection fee if a follow-up inspection is required. Separately, § 13-260.8 currently waives the Chapter 13 business license fee itself for short-term rentals until July 1, 2026, so the $130 inspection fee is the only charge STR operators in Columbia pay today.

Violations & Fines

Fees under § 22-188 are nonrefundable once paid; if they go unpaid for 60 days the account may be sent to collections, with the debtor liable for collection costs and attorney fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Columbia, Missouri?
A combined $130 application and inspection fee per unit under § 22-188(b), plus $70 if reinspection is needed. The business license itself is fee-free until July 1, 2026.
Is there a lodging or occupancy tax for Columbia short-term rentals?
The city code doesn't set one; STR operators pay the § 22-188 application/inspection fee and applicable state sales tax, not a separate city lodging tax.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Columbia

All Columbia rules

How Columbia compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·Compare Columbia to another location·View the Missouri short-term rentals overview

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