Joplin, Missouri

Joplin permits short-term rentals under an ordinance effective January 24, 2022. Every operator must obtain a short-term rental permit and an annual city business license, submitting a legal description and site plan. City staff have 30 days to approve or deny. A critical feature of the Joplin framework is the neighbor-protest process: the city notifies all property owners within 185 feet of the proposed STR, and if owners of more than 30% of the land area within that radius formally protest, the application is automatically denied. New STRs must also be located at least 200 feet from any existing permitted STR, limiting concentration in desirable areas. Operational rules cap occupancy by bedroom count (2 guests per bedroom for properties with 3 or fewer bedrooms, 1.5 guests per bedroom for 4 or more bedrooms), require one off-street parking space per bedroom, and prohibit use for weddings, parties, or receptions. The primary tax obligation is a 4% hotel/motel transient guest tax on gross rental receipts, plus applicable state and local sales taxes. No owner-occupancy or primary-residence requirement applies, and no annual night cap was identified. Permit and license fees were not published online and should be confirmed with Joplin Planning and Zoning. Enforcement is rated moderate.