Short Term Rental Guidelines for the City of Jefferson, Missouri

Short Term Rental Guidelines for the City of Jefferson, Missouri

When deciding whether to let Cohost manage your short-term rental, it is important for you to understand the laws in your city. As a short-term rental property management company we do not provide legal advice, but we want to give you some useful links that may help you better understand laws and regulations in the City of Jefferson. This list is not exhaustive, but it should give you a good start in understanding your local laws. To find out relevant information, it is always good practice to check with your county or city government website. You can find out short-term rental information here.

Owners and renters may operate a short-term rental. A renter who wishes to operate your rental as a short term rental must have authorization from the landowner in writing. 

Short-Term Rentals are permitted in Mixed Use (MU-1), Office Commercial (C-O), Neighborhood Commercial (C-1), General Commercial (C-2), and Central Commercial (C-3) zoning districts. If your property is in one of these districts, you will need to apply for a business license. 

If your property is zoned in anything other than MU-1, C-O, C-1, C-2, or C-3, you will need to file for a special exception permit. Generally, this process for obtaining a special exception permit is a 3 month process.

You can find applications at City Hall or here.

1. Short-term rentals are only permitted within an existing primary structure residence. Accessory structures, such as a garage, are not permitted to be used for sleeping or accommodation purposes.

2. Number of occupants in a short-term rental.
  1. Short-term rental of a residence: No more than 5 unrelated persons or any number of persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption are permitted.
  2. Short-term rental of a lodging room: No more than 4 people are permitted in a short-term rental lodging room. Multiple lodging rooms within one residence are not permitted.
3. Signage.
  1. One sign, of a maximum size of one square foot, attached to the exterior of the short-term rental is permitted. This sign cannot be lighted or accompanied by any other displays.
4. Parking Requirements.
  1. 2 on-site parking spots where on-street parking is permitted.
  2. 3 on-site parking spots where on-street is not permitted
5. Fire Safety Requirements.
  1. Fire extinguishers in each sleeping room. One in the common area.
  2. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each sleeping room. One of each in the common area.
  3. Fire escape plan posted in each sleeping area. One in the common area.
  4. Two exits on any level.
  5. No hot plates or microwaves allowed in sleeping areas.

There are 6 main steps to becoming a short-term rental host. Please review the Short-term Rental Responsible Hosting Fact Sheet.

If you have any additional questions please contact the Planning Division at (573) 634-6410 or at jcplanning@jeffcitymo.org