Boone County board approves short-term rental license, sets 5-acre minimum and fee structure

Boone County Board members on May 15 approved an ordinance establishing licensed short-term vacation rentals and a companion text amendment to allow such rentals in A-1 agricultural districts, setting a minimum lot size of 5 acres and a first‑year fee totaling $1,000.

The action matters because it creates a county licensing pathway for property owners who want to operate short‑term rentals outside municipalities, while leaving enforcement and implementation details to county staff. Supporters said the program adds a regulated option for property owners; critics said enforcement capacity is not yet assured.

At the meeting board member Josh Shoemaker moved to approve Ordinance 25‑O‑7 (licensed short‑term vacation rentals); Tom Wahlberg seconded. During debate Wahlberg moved to amend the draft from five licenses to eight; that amendment was approved on a roll call. After further discussion the board approved the licensing ordinance as amended on a separate roll call. The board also approved Ordinance 25‑O‑6, a text amendment (TA O32025) allowing short‑term vacation rentals in A‑1…