Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed? Short-term rentals (STRs) have been banned in Maryville’s city limits since late 2018. As of the latest publicly discussed draft ordinance, the city is preparing to legalize STRs under a tightly controlled, zoning-based framework. The proposed approach would explicitly exclude most residential and single-family zoning districts from STR use, even as it opens roughly 14 non-residential and mixed-use zone categories to permitted operation. Under the draft, properties in eligible zones can apply for an administrative STR permit; properties outside those zones can only operate via a Special Use Permit (SUP) approved by City Council. This conservative regulatory posture is intended to mitigate commercial takeover of housing stock while enabling the industry in non-residential areas and mixed-use districts. A 2019 ordinance proposal would have allowed administrative permits in the C-2 Downtown Business area and the Campus Town Overlay, with SUPs required elsewhere, and the current discussions continue with similar approvals required outside permitted zones. Sources indicate the city plans to “ease into” STRs, with a limited set of zone allowances and ongoing review of operations.

Zoning Framework: Allowed vs. Prohibited The draft framework distinguishes clearly between allowed and prohibited zoning districts, signaling to investors where STRs will be viable and where they will not.

• Allowed zones under proposed ordinance (Maryville):

  • Business & Transportation
  • Central Community
  • Office
  • Neighborhood
  • Central Business
  • Washington Street Commercial
  • Office Transition
  • Heritage Development
  • Central Business District Support
  • High Intensity Commercial
  • High Density Residential
  • Industrial
  • Institutional
  • High Intensity Retail

• Prohibited zones under proposed ordinance (Maryville):

  • Residential
  • Environmental Conservation
  • Single Family
  • College Hill Historic
  • Oak Park Historic
  • Estate

In 2019, an earlier draft proposed allowing administrative permits in C-2 Downtown and the Campus Town Overlay, with SUPs required elsewhere. If your property is not in one of the above allowed zones, plan to pursue an SUP if you want to operate an STR.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Maryville Starting in Maryville requires a multi-step compliance pathway tailored to your property’s zoning and the city’s evolving approvals:

• Step 1: Zoning verification

  • Confirm whether your property lies in an allowed zone under the new ordinance. If it is prohibited (e.g., Residential, Single-Family, or Historic residential districts), operation will not be permitted under the proposed rules.
  • If your property is in a permitted zone, you can apply administratively for a permit. If it is outside those zones but in a mixed-use or non-residential area, prepare to request an SUP from City Council (which may include property-specific conditions).

• Step 2: Property and occupancy preparation

  • Ensure the property is already approved for residential occupancy.
  • If you do not already have a city business license, obtain one ($15).
  • Plan operations around occupancy limits: maximum two persons per bedroom, and a hard cap of 10 overnight guests (per the ordinance language used in 2019 discussions and subsequent SUP cases).

• Step 3: Prepare application package

  • Application timeline: city reviews and approves/denies within 14 days of submission.
  • Submit the application with required fees and documentation (see “Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines” below).
  • For properties outside allowed zones, complete the SUP process (Planning & Zoning Commission review, public hearing, and City Council approval) before you can apply for the annual STR permit.

• Step 4: Permit issuance and inspections

  • The city may conduct inspections to verify fire code and building code compliance prior to issuing new or renewal permits.

• Step 5: Ongoing operations and renewals

  • Maintain a 24/7 contact who can respond within 30–45 minutes to complaints or emergencies.
  • Comply with municipal codes on noise, lighting, parking, and health standards.
  • Renew your STR permit annually (one-year license cycle). Permit revocation is possible for violations or at renewal if conditions are not met.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines Maryville’s proposed STR permitting framework prioritizes transparency and rapid response. Investors should expect the following:

• Fees and timelines:

  • Application fee: $300 (non-refundable, covers processing and inspection if needed)
  • Annual renewal fee: $100
  • Business license (if not already held): $15
  • Review and decision within 14 days of application

• Required submissions:

  • Affidavit of life safety compliance (self-attesting to meeting safety standards)
  • Site plan and floor plan of the rental property
  • Proof of property ownership or lawful control
  • Proof of valid city business license (or application for one)
  • Designation of a 24/7 local contact capable of responding within 30–45 minutes
  • Statement agreeing to indemnify and hold the City of Maryville harmless

• Operational compliance requirements:

  • Operator availability: 24/7, with response to complaints within 30 minutes.
  • Occupancy caps: two persons per bedroom and up to 10 overnight guests total.
  • Exterior preservation: the STR must not alter the outside appearance via colors, materials, lighting, or advertising mechanisms.
  • Signage: bed and breakfast facilities may have exterior identification not exceeding nine square feet, mounted on the primary structure; standard STRs should avoid exterior signage beyond B&B allowances.
  • Parking and access: all parking and use must remain on the rental property and not cross property lines; on-street parking and alley access concerns may trigger conditions during SUP review.
  • Code adherence: strict adherence to all building, housing, noise, light, and health codes.
  • City authority to impose additional property-specific conditions during permitting or SUP approval.

Specific Regulations (City, County, and State)

• City of Maryville (local):

  • STRs have been banned since late 2018; a proposed ordinance would allow them only in specified non-residential and mixed-use zones, excluding Residential and Single-Family districts.
  • Administrative permits are envisioned for permitted zones; SUPs are required for non-conforming areas and can include tailored conditions.
  • Inspections may be conducted before issuance of new or renewal permits.
  • Annual permit renewals; revocation possible for violations or failure to meet conditions.
  • Occupancy limits (two per bedroom, max 10 guests), signage limits (B&B up to nine square feet), and maintenance of exterior appearance.
  • Operators must designate a 24/7 contact who can respond within 30–45 minutes.
  • Special Use Permit example (1110 E. Third St., R-2M zone): neighbors raised parking and alley-access concerns; council approved the permit with the understanding that the city can revoke the annual license if issues arise. The property would allow up to four overnight residents (two bedrooms x two persons).

• County (Nodaway County):

  • No county-specific STR rules were identified in the provided sources. County-level taxes or requirements may still apply; consult the County Collector or the county website for lodging taxes or business licensing rules not covered by city code.

• State of Missouri:

  • No state-level STR rules were identified in the provided sources. Investors should verify whether any state-level occupancy, sales, or lodging taxes apply to STRs in Nodaway County. Consult the Missouri Department of Revenue or a local tax professional for compliance.

Compliance Timeline Snapshot

• Pre-application: Confirm zoning eligibility; gather documents; obtain city business license if required.
• Application filing: Submit with fees and required forms; city reviews within 14 days.
• For SUP properties (outside allowed zones): Planning & Zoning Commission review, public hearing, and City Council approval may precede any STR permit issuance.
• Post-issuance: Annual renewal required; inspections may be conducted at renewal or upon complaint.
• Ongoing operations: Maintain 24/7 contact responsiveness and code compliance; anticipate potential conditions tied to your specific property.

Local Authority Contacts (Maryville, MO) For questions on permitting, zoning, and SUP processes, use the following local contacts:

• City of Maryville (General)

  • Phone: 660-562-3200
  • Website: www.maryvillemo.org

• City Manager (General municipal inquiries)

  • Greg McDanel
  • Phone: 660-562-3200
  • Address: City Hall, 415 N. Market, Maryville, MO 64468

• Planning and Zoning (Permit/Zoning questions)

  • Phone: 660-562-3200
  • Address: City Hall, 415 N. Market, Maryville, MO 64468

Notes:

• Direct email contacts for the Planning & Zoning department were not present in the provided sources; email may be available through the city website contact portal.
• If your property is adjacent to or within Historic Overlay districts, consider contacting the city to confirm any additional exterior or signage review processes that may apply.

Links to Source Pages

• The Daily Times: “Room for change: New short-term rental ordinance in Maryville may exclude residential, single-family zoning” — www.thedailytimes.com/news/room-for-change-new-short-term-rental-ordinance-in-maryville-may-exclude-residential-single-family/article_714ae493-7112-547d-936b-1cf02a637624.html
• The Maryville Forum: “Council approves short-term rental application” — www.maryvilleforum.com/news/council-approves-short-term-rental-application/article_579ed0bc-4ca8-11ea-bb0b-3349c2e439ca.html
• Nodaway News: “Maryville council reviews proposed short-term rental ordinance” — nodawaynews.com/maryville-council-reviews-proposed-short-term-rental-ordinance/