Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Maumelle, Arkansas

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Maumelle, AR?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Maumelle, AR, but they are subject to specific regulations and requirements. The city has enacted Ordinance 1029 which establishes a framework for short-term rental operations within city limits.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Maumelle

Initial Steps for STR Operators

Based on the city council meeting minutes from April 5, 2021, where Ordinance 1029 was introduced, operators must follow these key steps:

1. Complete Business Registration - The city requires registration of short-term rental businesses
2. Obtain Accessory Use Permit - An accessory use permit is mandatory for STR properties
3. Define Short-Term Rental Operation - The property must meet the city's definition of short-term rental (typically rentals for fewer than 30 days)
4. Ensure Compliance with Zoning Requirements - The property must be located in an appropriate zoning district

Zoning and Location Considerations

From the council discussions, it appears that short-term rentals are treated as accessory uses in residential areas. The city council acknowledged that neighboring cities have different approaches, with some like Sherwood not allowing short-term rentals at all. Maumelle's approach allows for regulated STR operations while maintaining neighborhood character.

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Primary Requirements

Based on Ordinance 1029 mentioned in the council minutes:

1. Business Registration Certificate - Required to legally operate
2. Accessory Use Permit - Specific permit for STR operations
3. Property Documentation - Proof of ownership or legal right to operate
4. Compliance Documentation - Meeting all city code requirements

Building and Safety Requirements

While specific details weren't fully outlined in the available documents, short-term rental properties typically must comply with:

• Building safety standards
• Fire code requirements
• Occupancy limits based on square footage and safety standards
• Insurance requirements

State-Level Business Requirements

As STR operators are running a business in Arkansas, they must also comply with state requirements:

1. Business Registration - Register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
2. Sales Tax Registration - For collecting and remitting state and local sales taxes
3. Income Tax Compliance - Proper reporting of rental income

Specific Regulations for Maumelle, AR

City-Level Regulations

Based on the available information from city council minutes:

Maximum Occupancy: Council discussions mentioned a proposed limit of 8 guests, though this appeared to be under consideration rather than finalized

Operational Considerations:

• City can regulate and collect appropriate fees/taxes
• Properties must comply with safety standards
• Neighborhood impact considerations are important
• One documented incident during the pandemic was referenced

Oversight: The city identified approximately 10 rental properties across all platforms operating in Maumelle

County and State Regulations

Pulaski County Level: No specific county-level regulations were identified in the provided documents

State of Arkansas Requirements:

• STRs are subject to state sales and use taxes
• Business licensing through Arkansas DFA
• Compliance with Arkansas Fire Prevention Code
• Adherence to state building codes

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Maumelle Contact Information

Address: City Hall (specific address not provided in documents) Phone: Not specified in provided materials Email: Not specified in provided materials Website: www.maumelle.org

Key Departments:

• Community and Economic Development: Judy Keller, Director
• Planning and Permits: Scott Grummer, Director
• Animal Control: Jonathan Crafton, Animal Services Employee

Emergency Services:

• Police Department: Chief Corey Pickard (mentioned in council meeting)

State-Level Contact Information

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Website: www.dfa.arkansas.gov Phone: Contact through website or local revenue offices Services: Business registration, tax collection, licensing

State-Level Regulations for Arkansas

Business Registration and Tax Requirements

1. Business Registration: Required through Arkansas DFA
2. Sales Tax Collection: STRs must collect applicable sales taxes
3. Income Tax Reporting: Rental income must be reported on state tax returns
4. Local Tax Compliance: Must comply with county and local tax requirements

Safety and Building Standards

• Compliance with Arkansas Fire Prevention Code
• Building code compliance for rental properties
• Occupancy standards based on safety regulations
• Regular inspections may be required

STR-Specific State Considerations

• No statewide prohibition on short-term rentals
• Local municipalities have authority to regulate
• State revenue collection applies to STR income
• Platform regulations may apply for services like Airbnb, VRBO

Comparative Context

The Arkansas Online article from May 2021 indicates that many Arkansas cities were "looking at rules to cover short-term rental properties" around this timeframe. Maumelle's Ordinance 1029 appears to be part of this broader statewide trend toward STR regulation. The city council noted that neighboring jurisdictions like Sherwood had already chosen to prohibit short-term rentals entirely, while others like Little Rock had developed comprehensive regulatory frameworks.

Sources

1. Arkansas Online - "Cities in Arkansas look at rules to cover short-term rental properties" (May 10, 2021)

   • www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/may/10/cities-look-at-rules-to-cover-short-term-rental/

2. City of Maumelle Council Meeting Minutes (April 5, 2021)

   • www.maumelle.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04052021-559

3. Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Online Services

   • www.dfa.arkansas.gov/online-services/

Note: This guide is based on available documents from 2021-2024. Regulations may have been updated since these sources were published. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before establishing a short-term rental business in Maumelle, Arkansas.