Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Center, NE?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Center, NE. This is a result of Nebraska State Statute 18-1758, which prohibits municipalities from banning short-term rentals outright. The statute allows local authorities (in this case, Hamilton County) to regulate STRs for public health and safety, but not to prohibit them.

1. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Center, NE

Starting an STR business in Center involves navigating a combination of state-level requirements and any county-level regulations.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Research County Regulations: Before purchasing or converting a property, contact the Hamilton County government to confirm the specific regulations and requirements for operating an STR. While the state allows STRs, the county may have rules regarding zoning, permits, safety standards, and licensing.
2. Business Structure and Registration: If you intend to operate as a formal business (e.g., an LLC), register with the Nebraska Secretary of State. Even if operating as an individual, you will need to register for tax purposes (see next step).
3. Tax Registration and Compliance: This is a critical step.
   • State Sales Tax: Register with the Nebraska Department of Revenue to collect and remit the 5.5% state sales tax on lodging. If you use platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, they may collect this tax on your behalf in some jurisdictions, but you are ultimately responsible for compliance.
   • Local Lodging Taxes: Center and Hamilton County may impose additional local lodging or sales taxes. Confirm the exact rates and collection procedures with the Hamilton County Treasurer's Office.
4. Obtain Licenses and Permits (If Required): Based on the provided sources, many Nebraska cities (Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue) require a specific STR permit or license. For a smaller community like Center, this may not be the case. However, verify with Hamilton County to see if a general business license or a specific STR permit is required. This process often involves an application, a property inspection, and proof of insurance.
5. Zoning Compliance: Ensure that your property is located in a zoning district that permits short-term rentals. Check with the Hamilton County Planning and Zoning Department to confirm this. The STR must comply with all standard zoning ordinances that apply to residential properties.
6. Insurance: Secure adequate insurance coverage. Standard homeowner's insurance typically does not cover commercial STR activities. Obtain a policy that covers property damage, liability, and loss of income.
7. Designate a Local Contact: Some jurisdictions require an on-site or locally available contact person to address guest issues and emergencies promptly. Designate yourself, a property manager, or a local representative.

**2. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

The specific documents you need will depend on the final requirements set by Hamilton County. Based on the regulations in other Nebraska cities, you should be prepared to provide:

Essential Documents:

• Proof of Property Ownership: Deed or tax statement.
• Completed Application Form: For any required business license or STR permit.
• Site Plan and Property Information: Address, floor plans, number of bedrooms, and maximum occupancy.
• Proof of Insurance: Liability insurance with appropriate coverage limits.
• Identification: Valid photo ID for the property owner.
• Local Contact Information: Name, address, and phone number of a local contact responsible for the property.
• Safety Compliance Certifications: Evidence that the property meets all required safety standards (e.g., smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers). This may be demonstrated through a county inspection.
• Tax Registration Numbers: Your Nebraska tax account ID from the Department of Revenue.

Guidelines to Follow:

• Health and Safety Standards: Comply with all state and local fire codes, health regulations, and sanitation standards.
• Nuisance and Zoning Ordinances: Adhere to all local laws regarding noise, parking, trash disposal, and occupancy limits.
• HOA/CC&R Rules: Check any homeowners association or restrictive covenants, as they may limit or prohibit short-term rentals.

**3. Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Center, NE (Hamilton County)

The primary state-level statute governing STRs in Nebraska is Nebraska Revised Statute 18-1758. For Center, NE, this translates to the following applicable regulations, enforced by Hamilton County:

1. No Ban on Operations: You are legally permitted to operate a short-term rental.
2. Local Regulation Allowed: Hamilton County can enact and enforce regulations related to:
   • Public Health and Safety: This includes requirements for fire safety, building codes, sanitation, and waste control.
   • Land Use and Zoning: STRs must comply with the same zoning ordinances as other residential properties. The county can designate specific zones where STRs are allowed or restricted.
   • Taxation: The county has the authority to impose and collect local lodging or sales taxes on short-term rentals.
   • Operational Standards: The county can set rules on maximum occupancy, noise, parking, and the need for a local contact person.

Important Note on Taxes:

• State Sales Tax: 5.5% on gross receipts from lodging.
• Local Lodging Taxes: Verify the exact rate with the Hamilton County Treasurer's Office, as it can vary. For example, Douglas County (where Omaha is located) imposes an additional 4% lodging tax.

**4. Contact Information for Local Authorities in Charge of STRs in Hamilton County, NE

Since Center is an unincorporated community in Hamilton County, the county authorities are your primary point of contact.

• General Information / Licensing:

  • Hamilton County Clerk's Office: For questions about business licenses or general county information.
  • Phone: (308) 586-2311
  • Website: Hamilton County, Nebraska Official Website

• Taxation and Lodging Taxes:

  • Hamilton County Treasurer's Office: For information on local lodging/sales taxes and how to remit them.
  • Phone: (308) 586-2626
  • Website: Hamilton County Treasurer

• State-Level Taxation:

  • Nebraska Department of Revenue: For state sales tax registration and lodging tax information.
  • Phone: (402) 471-5729
  • Website: Nebraska Department of Revenue

• Zoning and Land Use:

  • Hamilton County Planning and Zoning: For questions about zoning districts and land use regulations. Contact the County Clerk for the appropriate department.
  • Phone: (308) 586-2311
  • Website: Hamilton County, Nebraska Official Website

5. Links to Source Pages

Here are the direct links to the source pages from your provided search results, which contain the relevant information for this guide.

• Nebraska State Legislature Statute 18-1758: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=18-1758
• RedAwning: Nebraska Short-Term Rental Laws: https://www.redawning.com/pm/post/nebraska-short-term-rental-laws
• Checkmate Rentals: Nebraska Short-Term Rental Regulations: https://www.checkmaterentals.com/blog/nebraska-short-term-rental-regulations
• Steadily: Airbnb & Short Term Rental Laws in Nebraska: https://www.steadily.com/blog/airbnb-short-term-rental-laws-and-regulations-in-nebraska