A Guide for Property Managers
For residentially zoned properties, no new STR applications have been accepted since June 17, 2023, due to a moratorium that is ending on June 15, 2024. To operate an STR citywide, a Conditional-Use-Permit-2.pdfConditional Use Permit is required, which involves public hearings and City Council approval. Additionally, STR properties must be at least 500 feet apart within residential zones and the total number of STRs is capped at 0.5% of the city’s housing units, approximately 150 units.
The City of St. Charles, Missouri, has implemented Ordinance 22-104, establishing comprehensive regulations for operating Short Term Rentals (STRs). If you are a property manager or owner looking to venture into the short term rental market in St. Charles, Missouri, this guide will help you navigate the requirements to obtain and maintain your STR license, ensuring compliance with all local regulations.
Understanding Short Term Rental Regulations in St. Charles, Missouri
To legally operate a Short Term Rental in St. Charles, you must adhere to the following key requirements:
- Short Term Rental Permit: Every STR property must have an approved permit before commencing operations. This permit must be renewed annually and includes a mandatory safety inspection. The city staff will schedule this inspection.
2. Occupancy: STRs are only permitted within the primary structure of the property.
3. Parking: Off-street parking is mandatory, with one parking space required for each bedroom used as an STR.
4. Noise Regulations: No amplified or reproduced sound is allowed outside or audible from the property line between 10:00 PM and 10:00 AM. A noise monitoring device, such as Alertify, must be installed to alert the host of any unreasonable noise levels.
5. Guest Conduct: Property owners or operators must ensure that guests do not create unreasonable noise or disturbances, engage in disorderly conduct, or violate any applicable laws.
Annual Short Term Rental Inspections
To ensure your STR is safe and compliant, an annual inspection is required. Here are some common items inspectors will check:
- Smoke Alarms: Must be installed within and outside every bedroom and on every level of the property.
- Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Required if there are gas appliances or an attached garage, installed outside all bedrooms.
- GFCI Outlets: Bathrooms, kitchen counters, laundry areas, and outdoor outlets must be GFCI protected.
- Egress Windows: Necessary for any area converted to a bedroom, meeting specific size requirements.
- Noise Monitoring Device: Must be installed and operational. Order here.
- Handrails: Required for all steps (indoor and outdoor) with four or more steps.
- Permits for Changes: Any undocumented work, such as new bedrooms or kitchen updates, may require a building permit.
- Occupancy Limits: Determined based on bedroom size, with a maximum of 10 occupants per property unless additional safety measures are in place. Consider a noise monitor that detects occupancy as well.
- Historic Districts: Exterior changes in these areas may need Landmarks Board review.
STR Compliance with Alertify: Advanced Noise and Smoke Monitoring
Alertify is a noise decibel monitoring device designed to help Short Term Rental (STR) property managers stay compliant with local regulations while ensuring guest privacy. By strictly monitoring noise levels and generating detailed after-incident reports, Alertify provides a comprehensive solution for managing noise-related issues. These reports, which include guest details, incident summaries, and property information, are stored on the dashboard for 180+ days and can be downloaded as PDFs when requested by local municipalities.
Additionally, Alertify features indoor smoke monitoring and tracks temperature, humidity, and mold risk, further enhancing property safety. Real-time data is accessible via intuitive live graphs, enabling proactive noise management. Prompt SMS or email notifications for noise or smoke violations allow for swift intervention, ensuring compliance with local ordinances and maintaining a peaceful environment for guests and neighbors. Each incident is meticulously documented, with reports securely stored and easily accessible, facilitating efficient regulatory compliance and accountability.
Preparing for Inspection
Prior to your annual inspection, use the following checklist to ensure your property meets all requirements:
1. Smoke Alarms: Check all alarms for proper installation and functionality.
2. Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Verify they are installed outside all bedrooms if required.
3. GFCI Outlets: Test all outlets in required areas to ensure they are GFCI protected.
4. Egress Windows: Confirm that converted bedrooms have compliant egress windows.
5. Noise Monitoring Device: Ensure the device is installed and working.
6. Handrails: Measure and inspect all handrails for compliance.
7. Permits: Review any recent work and ensure proper permits were obtained.
8. Occupancy Limits: Calculate and confirm your property’s occupancy limits. Install an occupancy monitor like Alertify.
9. Historic District Requirements: Check if any exterior changes need approval.
10. Guest Records: Maintain records of all guests for at least three years for city inspection.
Compliance and Renewal
Remember to renew your permit annually and schedule the necessary inspections. Failing to submit the required paperwork by the end of the calendar year can result in revocation of your permit approvals.
For a detailed checklist and further guidance, download the full Short-Term-Inspections-Flyer-1.pdfShort-Term-Inspections-Flyer-2.pdfShort Term Rental Inspections Flyer here.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, contact the Community Development Department at 636-949-3222 or visit http://www.stcharlescitymo.gov.
By following this guide and maintaining compliance with local regulations, you can ensure your Short Term Rental in St. Charles is successful, safe, and legally operated.
