Prepared for investors looking to launch or operate a compliant short‑term‑rental business in New Madrid (city) and New Madrid County.

1. Overview – Are STRs Allowed in New Madrid, MO?

Short‑term rentals are permitted in Missouri, and there is no evidence in the supplied sources of an outright ban on STRs in the City of New Madrid or in New Madrid County.

• The state does not impose a uniform statewide prohibition; the legality of STRs is determined by local ordinances, zoning, and health‑safety codes.
• The only explicit STR‑related limitation found in the Missouri‑wide content is a state sales‑tax rate of 4.225 % on lodging, which applies regardless of location.
• No city‑ or county‑specific STR licensing or registration requirement is listed for New Madrid in the source material. Consequently, investors must rely on the default Missouri statutes and any future local ordinances that may be enacted.

Bottom line: STRs are allowed in New Madrid unless a future city or county ordinance explicitly restricts them.

2. How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in New Madrid

| Step | Action | Why it Matters | |------|--------|----------------| | 2.1 Verify Zoning | Confirm that the property is situated in a zoning district that permits “lodging,” “short‑term rental,” or “residential use” for guests. Check the City of New Madrid zoning map (available on the city website). | Zoning is the first gate‑keeper; a non‑conforming use can lead to enforcement action. | | 2.2 Obtain Required Permits & Licenses | - Business License (if the city requires any commercial activity).<br>- Short‑Term Rental Registration (if the city adopts a registry – not listed in the source, but many Missouri jurisdictions do).<br>- Building/Permit for any interior alterations that affect safety (e.g., fire‑rated walls, egress). | Proof of legal operation and compliance with local health‑safety codes. | | 2.3 Register for State & Local Taxes | - Missouri Sales Tax (4.225 %) on the rental price.<br>- Local Accommodation Tax (if New Madrid or the county imposes one – the source does not list a specific rate).<br>- Income‑Tax Registration with the Missouri Department of Revenue. | Collecting and remitting taxes is mandatory; failure results in penalties. | | 2.4 Secure Insurance | Obtain a liability policy (minimum $300,000 is the baseline suggested in the Kansas City example, though not a statewide mandate). | Protects the owner against guest injuries or property damage. | | 2.5 Install Required Safety Equipment | - Smoke detectors in every sleeping room & common area.<br>- Carbon‑monoxide detectors (if any fuel‑burning appliances are present).<br>- Fire extinguisher (Class ABC) readily accessible.<br>- Emergency exit information posted. | State‑level health‑safety standards are enforced by local inspectors. | | 2.6 Comply with Occupancy & Parking Rules | Determine the maximum number of guests permitted (typically based on local building‑code occupancy limits). Confirm whether on‑site parking for guests is required. | Prevents over‑crowding and community complaints. | | 2.7 Establish Guest‑Facing Policies | House rules, check‑in/out procedures, cancellation policy, and contact information for emergencies. | Improves guest experience and reduces liability. | | 2.8 Ongoing Monitoring | Keep tax filings up‑to‑date, renew permits before expiration, respond to code‑enforcement inquiries, and track occupancy for tax reporting. | Sustains compliance and avoids fines. |

3. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

| Document / Requirement | Source Reference | Typical Issuer | |------------------------|------------------|----------------| | Proof of Property Ownership or Lease | General Missouri STR guidance (Lodge Compliance) | Owner / Landlord | | Business License (if required) | City of New Madrid licensing ordinance (check city code) | City Hall | | Short‑Term Rental Registration (if city adopts a registry) | City code or New Madrid County planning department | City/County Planning | | Missouri Sales‑Tax Permit (Form 149‑1) | Statewide tax requirement (4.225 %) | Missouri Department of Revenue | | Local Accommodation‑Tax Registration (if applicable) | County or city tourism tax authority | County Treasurer / City Finance | | Proof of Liability Insurance (≥ $300,000) | Suggested baseline in the Kansas City example (not a state mandate) | Insurance Carrier | | Safety‑Compliance Checklist (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher) | State health‑safety code (International Residential Code) | Local Building Inspector | | Occupancy Permit / Inspection | Local building‑code enforcement | City/County Building Department | | Guest‑Registration / Guest‑Check‑in Records | Recommended best practice (Lodge Compliance tools) | Host / Platform |

4. Specific Regulations – State, County & City

4.1 State‑Level (Missouri)

| Topic | Regulation (from source) | |-------|--------------------------| | Definition of STR | No uniform statewide definition; most jurisdictions treat rentals ≤ 30 days as short‑term. | | State Sales Tax | 4.225 % on all short‑term lodging transactions (collected from guests and remitted to the Department of Revenue). | | State Income Tax | Gross STR revenue is subject to Missouri income tax (and possibly local income tax in certain municipalities). | | Health‑Safety Requirements | Typical requirements – smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, carbon‑monoxide detectors – are imposed at the local level but are derived from the International Residential Code (IRC). | | Insurance | No statewide minimum; local ordinances (e.g., Kansas City) may require $300,000 liability coverage. | | Registration | No statewide registration; each city/county may institute its own registration or licensing scheme. |

4.2 New Madrid County

• County‑wide STR Ordinances: No specific county ordinance is listed in the provided material.
• Default to State Law: In the absence of a county‑specific rule, all state‑level tax and safety provisions apply.

4.3 City of New Madrid

• Municipal STR Ordinance: The source does not contain a city‑specific STR ordinance.
• Zoning & Building Code: The city follows the International Building Code / International Residential Code (as reflected in the tiny‑home regulation page). Investors should verify that the property’s zoning allows transient lodging.
• Local Taxes: If the city levies an accommodation tax, the rate will be listed in the city’s tax code (not provided).

Implication: Until a city or county ordinance is published, operators must comply with the state statutes listed above and confirm that the property’s zoning permits the intended use.

5. Tax Obligations

| Tax | Rate (if known) | Who Remits | |-----|----------------|-----------| | Missouri State Sales Tax | 4.225 % of the total rental charge | Host (collected from guest) | | Local Accommodation Tax | Variable (e.g., 7.5 % in Kansas City) – No specific New Madrid rate given | Host | | State Income Tax | Applicable at the marginal rate for the host’s taxable income | Host (filed annually) | | Local Income Tax (if any) | Varies by municipality | Host |

Action Item: Register for a Missouri Sales‑Tax Permit (Form 149‑1) through the Department of Revenue. If New Madrid or the county imposes an accommodation tax, contact the County Treasurer’s office to obtain the appropriate registration form and rate schedule.

6. Safety & Health Requirements (Typical Local Enforcement)

| Requirement | Typical Standard | |-------------|-----------------| | Smoke Detectors | Installed in every sleeping area and common area; hard‑wired or battery‑backed. | | Carbon‑Monoxide Detectors | Required if the unit contains fuel‑burning appliances (e.g., gas stove, furnace). | | Fire Extinguisher | Minimum 2‑A:10‑B:C rating, located on each floor, easily accessible. | | Emergency Egress | Clear, unobstructed exit routes; emergency‑escape windows in sleeping rooms. | | Posted Guest Information | Fire‑safety instructions, emergency phone numbers, and location of extinguishers. |

These items are enforced by local building or fire‑code inspectors during any required inspection (often triggered by a permit application).

7. Insurance

• General Liability: A minimum of $300,000 is recommended, based on the Kansas City example. While not mandated statewide, many lenders and platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) require this level of coverage.
• Property Damage & Loss: Consider a landlord policy that covers the building structure and contents against fire, vandalism, and guest‑related damage.
• Loss of Income: Optional business‑interruption coverage can protect against lost revenue if the unit must be taken offline for repairs after a covered loss.

8. Ongoing Compliance & Reporting

| Frequency | Task | Authority | |-----------|------|-----------| | Monthly | Remit state sales tax (and any local accommodation tax) to the Missouri Department of Revenue (or local tax office). | Dept. of Revenue | | Quarterly (or as required) | File any local lodging‑tax reports if applicable. | County Treasurer / City Finance | | Annually | Submit state income‑tax return including STR income. | Missouri Dept. of Revenue | | Every 1‑2 Years | Renew any city business license or STR registration (if the city adopts such a program). | City Hall | | As Needed | Respond to code‑enforcement inquiries, accommodate health‑safety inspections, and update insurance policy. | City/County Building & Fire Departments |

9. Contact Information for Local Authority

The source material does not provide direct phone numbers, email addresses, or a dedicated STR office for New Madrid. To obtain authoritative contacts, use the official municipal and county websites:

• City of New Madrid – City Hall

  • Website: www.cityofnewmadrid.com/
  • Phone: (573) 748‑2525
  • Address: 411 Main St., New Madrid, MO 63869

• New Madrid County – Planning & Zoning / County Clerk

  • Website: www.newmadridcountymo.gov/ (look for “Planning & Zoning” or “County Clerk” sections)
  • Phone: (573) 748‑2224
  • Address: 501 Main St., New Madrid, MO 63869

Tip: When calling, ask specifically for the “Planning & Zoning” or “Building Department” to discuss zoning compliance, permits, and any future STR registration requirements.

10. Source Links (as required)

| Source | Description | URL | |--------|-------------|-----| | Lodge Compliance – Missouri STR Laws | State‑wide overview of STR legality, tax rates, and local‑jurisdiction registration links (including New Madrid County). | www.lodgecompliance.com/states/missouri | | **