Short-Term Rental (STR) Guide for Lampe, Missouri

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Lampe, MO? Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Lampe, Missouri. However, the specific regulatory framework depends on whether the property is located within the city limits of Branson, Missouri. Lampe is a community situated on the shores of Table Rock Lake, and parts of it are annexed into the City of Branson. If your Lampe property is inside Branson city limits, you must follow Branson's city regulations. If it is outside Branson city limits (i.e., in unincorporated Stone County), you must follow Stone County's regulations.

The source information indicates that STRs in Stone County are governed by the Stone County Health Department's Vacation Rental Ordinance, while properties within Branson city limits follow the City of Branson's Short-Term Rental Program.

Section 1: How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Lampe

The process depends on whether your property is subject to Stone County regulations or Branson city regulations.

If your property is in Stone County (outside Branson limits):

1. Verify Zoning: Contact the Stone County Planning & Zoning office to confirm that short-term rentals are a permitted use in the property's zoning district. You may need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
2. Obtain a Vacation Rental Permit: Apply for a permit from the Stone County Health Department (SCHD).
3. Schedule Required Inspections: You must pass an onsite inspection by the SCHD.
4. Collect and Remit Taxes: You must register for and remit the county's transient occupancy tax (TOT).
5. Comply with Operating Standards: Follow all rules regarding occupancy limits, parking, posting requirements, and waste management.

If your property is within Branson city limits:

1. Obtain a Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit: Apply through the Branson Fire Department.
2. Obtain a Business License: Apply through the City of Branson's Finance Department.
3. Register for Taxes: Register for and remit Branson's tourism tax.
4. Comply with Operating Standards: Follow all city rules and posting requirements.

Section 2: Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

The documentation and fees vary significantly between the two jurisdictions.

Stone County (outside Branson limits) - Vacation Rental Ordinance:

• Permit: Vacation Rental Permit from the Stone County Health Department.
  • Application Fee: $150.00 per permit.
  • Renewal Fee: $150.00 annually (expires June 30th).
  • Valid ID: Government-issued ID for the owner.
• Inspection: Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Inspection Report by a licensed inspector. If the system is insufficient, the initial repair permit fee is waived.
• Documentation: A diagram or photo of the property showing designated parking spaces.
• Tax Registration: Evidence of a valid transient occupancy tax remittance form from the county.
• Governing Rules: Stone County Vacation Rental Ordinance (see Section 4 for specific regulations).

Branson City Limits - STR Program:

• Permit: Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit from the Branson Fire Department.
  • Permit Fee: $100.00 per application (fee subject to change).
  • Valid for: Three years.
• Business License: Required from the City of Branson's Finance Department.
  • Application Fee: $100.00 per application.
• Tax Registration: Tourism Tax Bond ($100.00) and registration for the 4% tourism tax.
• Additional Requirements:
  • "Doing Business As" (DBA) name, registered with the Missouri Secretary of State.
  • Valid, government-issued ID.
  • If operating outside of a single platform like Airbnb, a Missouri Sales Tax License may be required.

Section 3: Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

The rules are detailed and must be adhered to for legal operation.

Stone County (outside Branson limits) - Stone County Health Code (Vacation Rental Ordinance):

• Definition: Renting a dwelling for 1 to 28 days to transient guests. A permit is required for any rental of 28 days or less.
• Local Contact: A local contact person must be available 24/7.
• Occupancy Limits: Maximum occupancy is 2 persons per bedroom plus 4 additional persons per residence.
• Parking: No more vehicles than the number of designated on-site parking spaces. Buses with a seating capacity greater than half the designated occupancy are prohibited on-site or on the street.
• Posting Requirements: A copy of the permit and specific rules must be posted inside the unit. A notice must be posted on or adjacent to the front door containing:
  • Name and 24-hour phone of the owner/agent/local contact.
  • Maximum number of occupants.
  • Maximum number of vehicles and parking location.
  • Trash pickup day and rules (trash cannot be left outside except from 6 PM the day before to 6 PM on pickup day).
  • The 911 address, displayed in Arabic numerals at least 3 inches high, visible from the public right-of-way.
• Violations: Operating without a permit or failing to comply with conditions can result in permit suspension or revocation. Violations are considered a misdemeanor.

Branson City Limits - Branson STR Program:

• Definition: Any dwelling unit rented for 30 days or less.
• Permit & Inspection: The STR permit is issued by the Fire Department after a fire safety inspection. An Emergency Safety Plan document and evacuation map must be posted.
• Occupancy/Parking: The specific occupancy limits for Branson STRs are not detailed in the provided content, but they are likely to be similar to the county's. Operators must adhere to the limits specified in their permit.
• Tourism Tax: A 4% tourism tax must be remitted to the City of Branson's Finance Department by the 20th of the following month.
• License Renewal: The STR permit is valid for three years.

Section 4: Contact Information and Links

Stone County Regulations:

• Authority: Stone County Health Department
• Address: The source PDF does not provide a physical address or phone number. For questions, contact the Stone County Planning & Zoning office, as they handle related zoning matters.

Branson City Regulations:

• Authority: City of Branson
• STR Permit: Contact the Branson Fire Department for STR permit questions.
• Business License & Taxes: Contact the Branson Finance Department for business license, tourism tax registration, and bond information.
• Phone: The provided content from the Sunset Realty blog does not list a specific phone number for the city departments. However, the blog listing their phone number is (417) 336-3780, and their address is 301 W Pacific Suite C, Branson, MO 65616. They may be able to direct you to the correct city department.
• Planning & Zoning (General): Stone County Planning & Zoning, (417) 357-8402. This is a good starting point to determine if a property is in Branson city limits or Stone County.

Section 5: Important Links to Source Pages

• Stone County Vacation Rental Ordinance: https://stonecountyhealthdepartment.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/vacation-rental-ordinance_9_7_2012.pdf
• Stone County Planning & Zoning (Board Meeting Agenda - Including STR CUP Requests): https://stonecountymo.gov/Doc/PZ/Agenda/PZ.pdf
• Sunset Realty Services Blog (Branson STR Guide - Useful for properties within Branson city limits): https://www.sunsetrealtyservices.com/blog/investing-in-short-term-rentals-in-branson

Key Action Item: Always verify the property's jurisdiction (Branson City Limits vs. Stone County Unincorporated) with the Stone County Planning & Zoning office at (417) 357-8402 before proceeding with any permits or licenses. This is the most critical step to ensure you are following the correct regulations.