Short Term Rentals

Updated as of October 19, 2021 

A short-term rental is the rental of all or a portion of a residential dwelling for accommodations for a length of stay per guest visit of no more than 30 consecutive days.   

On June 14, 2021, the City Council voted to adopt new regulations for short-term rentals. The regulations went into effect on September 20, 2021. The zoning and licensing regulations apply in the Lincoln City limits and 3 miles outside the City limits. Changes were also adopted to apply the Hotel Occupation Tax to each short-term rental listing in the City of Lincoln.

Licensing for short-term rentals is available through the Building and Safety Department.  Collection of the Hotel Occupation Tax is handled by the Finance Department. 

Apply for a Short-Term Rental License

View the adopted Ordinances for short-term rentals:

• Title 3(PDF, 85KB) –   Taxes
• Title 5(PDF, 223KB) –   Licensing and Enforcement
• Title 27(PDF, 843KB) – Zoning

Summary of Zoning and Licensing Regulations

• All short-term rental operators must obtain an approved license from the Building and Safety Department.
• Short-term rentals are a conditional permitted use in the AG, AGR, R-1 through R-8, O-1, O-2, O-3, R-T, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, H-1, H-2, H-3, and H-4 zoning districts.

• The maximum number of persons who may occupy the 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. 

• Multi-family uses in the R-1 through R-8 Residential zoning districts would be allowed at least one, but no more than 10% of the total dwelling units on the premises to be licensed as short-term rentals.
• No signs are permitted for short-term rentals in the AG, AGR, and R-1 through R-8 zoning districts.

Questions?