Jefferson City considers short term rental changes

Jefferson City Council members will hear a proposal to change requirements for short term rentals at Monday's city council meeting.

The city's current policy requires a person to obtain a special exception permit to rent their home on platforms such as Airbnb or HomeAway.

A person must apply for the permit through the Planning and Zoning Commission and get a final approval from the city council.

Planning Manager Eric Barron said the city is considering allowing people in residential districts to have short term rentals without the need for a special exception permit.

Barron said short term rentals would become zoned as a permitted use in residential districts.

A person with a short term rental property would have to continue following the city's building and housing standards, he said.

• Lodging: No more than 5 unrelated people allowed, no more than four people permitted in a short term rental lodging room, multiple lodging rooms within one residence aren't permitted
• Signage: One sign attached to the exterior of the short-term rental is permitted, cannot be lighted
• Parking requirements: 2 on-site parking spots if on-street parking is allowed, 3 on-site spots if on-street parking isn't allowed
• Fire Safety requirements: smoke, carbon monoxide and fire extinguishers in sleeping rooms and one of each in common area

Find the full list of standards, here.

The city has approved eight of nine special exception permits for short term rentals over the past two years, he said.