St. Charles County staff present draft short-term rental ordinance; council debates permits and tax treatment

Council members reviewed a draft Short Term Rental Ordinance at an April 28 work session intended to create a licensing and inspection program for Airbnb- and VRBO-style rentals in unincorporated St. Charles County. Acting County Counselor Rory O'Sullivan presented the ordinance, which the county says aims to protect public health, safety and neighborhood compatibility.

Councilman Tim Baker argued that short-term rentals should require a permit or license and questioned why operators are not charged commercial property tax, saying hotels are subject to commercial taxes and short-term rentals are “essentially the same.” O'Sullivan outlined the ordinance elements, including definitions of qualifying short-term rentals, licensing and application requirements, inspection protocols, fees and renewals, density and occupancy limitations, local contact rules and suspension and revocation procedures.

Michael Hurlbert, Director of Community Development, told council his department has sufficient staff to carry out property inspections under the proposed program. Council members discussed enforcement mechanics, how occupancy limits would be measured, and whether density caps or buffer rules should apply in established neighborhoods.

The draft ordinance also calls for tax-compliance checks and a local contact requirement for operators. No formal vote was taken at the work session; staff said the draft would be refined and returned to council for further consideration during the formal legislative process.