Short Term Rentals

As of June 2021, a City of Lincoln ordinance provides a legal process to operate a short-term rental within the Lincoln city limits. This process involves acquiring a short-term rental license through the Building and Safety Department.

Licenses cost $250 per rental unit and must be renewed annually. Each short-term rental unit requires a separate license. Additional information regarding short-term rental regulations is available at Lincoln Municipal Code chapter 5.39, section 27.02.200, section 27.06.070, and section 27.62.040 c 1-5.

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Short Term Rental Overview

General Information:

  • It is unlawful to advertise a short-term rental in the city of Lincoln without first obtaining a license to do so through the Building and Safety department.
  • The maximum number of persons who may occupy a short-term rental is calculated as the total number of sleeping areas on the licensed premises multiplied by two, up to a maximum of 12 persons.
  • Sleeping areas are defined as areas located in a habitable space within a dwelling that contains at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening (egress window).Sleeping areas include bedrooms and may include rooms within a dwelling other than bedrooms if those rooms satisfy egress standards.Sleeping areas do not include hallways, kitchens, or bathrooms.
  • In the R-1 through R-8 zoning districts no more than 10% of the total dwelling units in a multi-family premises may be used or registered as short-term rentals.Regardless of the 10% cap, a multi-family premises may have at least one short-term rental.
  • No signs are permitted for short-term rentals in the AG, AGR, and R-1 through R-8 zoning districts.
  • An accessory dwelling may be used as a short-term rental.
  • More detailed information regarding short-term rental regulations can be found in the Lincoln Municipal Code chapter 5.39, section 27.02.200, section 27.06.070, and section 27.62.040 c 1-5.

Applying as Property Owner

  • The parcel ID number of from the County Assessor’s website of the property that the short-term rental will be located on.
  • The street address of the short-term rental including the unit number if applicable.
  • Your mailing address if different from the short-term rental address.
  • Your contact information including phone number and email address.
  • Emergency contact information including phone number and email address for a person that can reach the property within 45 minutes.
  • Online payment information; credit card or ACH payment information. 

Applying as Tenant or Property Manager

  • The parcel ID number of from the County Assessor’s website of the property that the short-term rental will be located on.
  • The street address of the short-term rental including the unit number if applicable.
  • The property owner’s information including mailing address, phone number, and email address.
  • Written documentation of authorization from the property owner to operate the short-term rental. A template for the authorization letter can be downloaded here(PDF, 187KB).
  • Your mailing address if different from the short-term rental address.
  • Your contact information including phone number and email address.
  • Emergency contact information including phone number and email address for a person that can reach the property within 45 minutes.
  • Online payment information; credit card or ACH payment information.