Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Nixa, MO?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Nixa, Missouri. The City of Nixa permits short-term rentals with specific regulations that vary depending on whether the property is the owner's primary residence or an investment property. The city has established a clear regulatory framework that distinguishes between "Primary Residence Rentals" (treated as home occupations) and "Non-Primary Residence Rentals" (investment properties), each with different requirements and compliance standards.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Nixa

Step 1: Determine Your STR Category

Primary Residence Rental (Home Occupation):

• Property must be your domicile (primary residence)
• Streamlined process requiring only a business license
• No special use permit required (protected under Missouri HB 1662)

Non-Primary Residence Rental (Investment Property):

• Property is not your primary residence
• More comprehensive regulatory requirements
• Requires business license, use permit, certificate of occupancy, and rental inspection

Step 2: Location and Zoning Compliance

Permitted Zoning Districts:

• R-1 (Single-Family Residential)
• R-3 (Multi-Family Residential)
• R-4 (Duplex, Patio Homes)

Distance Requirements:

• Non-primary residence rentals must be located at least 150 feet from another non-primary residence rental
• Distance measured from property line to property line

Step 3: Property Standards

Prohibited Uses:

• Detached buildings or accessory structures cannot be used as rentals for either category
• Only primary residential structures permitted

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

For Primary Residence Rentals:

1. Business License

   • Required prior to operation
   • Annual renewal
   • Application through City Hall

2. Compliance with Home Occupation Standards

   • Property must remain primary residence
   • Standard residential use must be maintained

For Non-Primary Residence Rentals:

1. Business License

   • Required prior to operation
   • Annual renewal

2. Use Permit

   • Must be obtained before engaging in rental activity
   • Separate from business license

3. Certificate of Occupancy

   • Required prior to issuance of business license and use permit
   • Demonstrates legal occupancy compliance

4. Rental Inspection

   • Must pass inspection before certificate of occupancy issuance
   • Conducted pursuant to Section 103-31 of Nixa City Code
   • Annual inspection requirement thereafter

5. Local Contact Requirements

   • Provide name and phone number of local contact person
   • Contact must be available 24/7
   • Must respond to complaints within 45 minutes

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Nixa Municipal Code)

Primary Residence Rentals:

• Must obtain business license only
• Treated as home occupation under Missouri HB 1662 protections
• No special use permit required
• No annual rental inspection mandated specifically for STR operation
• Subject to general rental inspection program requirements

Non-Primary Residence Rentals:

• Must obtain business license and use permit
• Certificate of occupancy required before permit issuance
• Property must pass rental inspection before certificate of occupancy
• Minimum 150-foot separation requirement from other non-primary residence rentals
• Annual rental inspections required
• Property must be principal residential structure (no detached buildings)

Both Categories:

• Property can be rented for maximum 30 consecutive days per stay
• Must comply with noise, traffic, and nuisance regulations
• Advertising and promotion must comply with all city regulations
• Violations can result in immediate license suspension or revocation

County-Level Regulations

No specific county-level regulations identified in provided sources.

State-Level Regulations (Missouri)

Missouri House Bill 1662 (2022):

• Minimized local government ability to regulate home occupations
• Provides protections for primary residence rentals
• Required Nixa to differentiate between home occupation and investment property regulations

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Nixa - Planning and Development Department:

• Director: Scott Godbey
• Email: sgodbey@nixa.com
• Phone: 417-725-5850

Business Licensing/Concierge Service:

• Phone: 417-725-3785
• Contact: Assistant City Administrator Cindy Robbins

General City Contact:

• Website: www.nixa.com
• Address: Nixa City Hall (specific address not provided in sources)

Rental Inspection Scheduling:

• Website: www.nixa.com/schedule-a-rental-inspection/

Code Compliance/Nuisance Complaints:

• Website: www.nixa.com/code-compliance/

Source Links

Primary Regulatory Documents:

1. Nixa City Code of Ordinances - Chapter 117, Article IV: https://library.municode.com/mo/nixa/codes/code_of_ordinances
2. Council Bill 2024-16 (Current STR Regulations): https://www.nixa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Council-Bill-2024-16-1.pdf
3. Original STR Ordinance 2019-085: https://mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/15166/1001273/pdf

Planning Commission Documents: 4. P&Z Commission Exhibit A (2024 Amendment Analysis): https://www.nixa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/PZ-Ex-A-Short-Term-Rentals.pdf

City Resource Pages: 5. Renting Property in Nixa (General Information): https://www.nixa.com/renting-property-in-nixa/ 6. Business Licensing: https://www.nixa.com/business-licensing/ 7. Special Use Permits: https://www.nixa.com/special-use-permits/ 8. Rental Inspections: https://www.nixa.com/rental-inspections/

News Coverage: 9. OzarksFirst STR Investigation Article: https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/missouri-news/nixa-news/city-of-nixa-allows-illegal-airbnb-operation/

Key Takeaway for STR Investors: Nixa provides a clear path for both primary residence and investment property short-term rentals, with the 2024 ordinance update significantly streamlining the process for primary residence operations while maintaining appropriate oversight for investment properties. The 150-foot separation requirement for non-primary rentals creates natural clustering limitations, making strategic property selection essential for investment success.