Overcoming municipalities that don't have regulations for short-term rentals.

[Adam714]

Hi All,

I've recently been told to cease operation at my house for Airbnb(Yes, I should have asked for permission before starting this operation). The City of Kirkwood doesn't have regulations that support or deny short term rentals. The options to proceed are to get an occupancy inspection and permit for each guest($75 per inspection). Or apply for a speical permit($1000 non-refundable) which maybe denied by the city concil or approved. Does any one have any advice or experience on the matter? Thinking about talking with a lawyer...

[Alice-and-Jeff0]

@Adam714  - you certainly can hire a lawyer, but based loosely on what I've read in the Code of Ordinances for Kirkwood, it does look like you would need to have a license to operate an Airbnb in the city and pay taxes. 

https://www.ecode360.com/30703457?highlight=rental,rentals,term#30703457

And, of course, a quick search of the area shows that other cities in the area are banning Airbnb's outright. https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/st-louis-area-governments-take-different-paths-on-short-term...

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2312/occupancy-tax-collection-and-remittance-by-airbnb-in-missou...