| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Permitted with registration |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — annual STR permit required; must be posted visibly at the property; permits are non-transferable on ownership change |
| Permit Fee | $50 initial fee for owner-occupied (free annual renewal); $100 initial fee for non-owner-occupied ($50 annual renewal) |
| Penalties | $250–$500 for first violation; $500–$1,000 for second violation; $1,000 up to state maximum for third violation, which also results in permit revocati |
| Primary Residence Required | Only for owner-occupied classification: property must be applicant's primary residence and owner must occupy simultaneously with guests. Owner-occupie |
| Occupancy Limit | Maximum 3 guests per bedroom (per Arkansas Fire Prevention Code); minimum 2 off-street parking spaces required; on-street parking prohibited for guest |
Short-term rental operations in Bella Vista, Arkansas are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — annual STR permit required; must be posted visibly at the property; permits are non-transferable on ownership change. The associated permit fees are $50 initial fee for owner-occupied (free annual renewal); $100 initial fee for non-owner-occupied ($.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Bella Vista include: Primary residence requirement: Only for owner-occupied classification: property must be applicant's primary residence and owner must occupy simultaneou. Occupancy limit: Maximum 3 guests per bedroom (per Arkansas Fire Prevention Code); minimum 2 off-street parking spaces required; on-stree.
Hosts who fail to comply with Bella Vista's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. $250–$500 for first violation; $500–$1,000 for second violation; $1,000 up to state maximum for third violation, which also results in permit revocation.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Bella Vista with proper registration and permits. Bella Vista requires an annual STR permit from the city plus a Certificate of Compliance from the Advertising and Promotion Commission (Discover Bella Vista) for tax purposes. Non-owner-occupied permi
Yes. Bella Vista requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — annual STR permit required; must be posted visibly at the property; permits are non-transferable on ownership change.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Bella Vista may face enforcement. $250–$500 for first violation; $500–$1,000 for second violation; $1,000 up to state maximum for third violation, which also results in permit revocation.
Permit cap of 600 non-owner-occupied STRs remains after July 27, 2026 council vote rejecting a cap increase to 687; cap is near or at capacity so new permits may not be available; owner-occupied units are uncapped; occupancy limited to 3 guests per bedroom; permits are non-transferable on sale.
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