Short Term Rentals

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 Planning and Development Services.
• 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

Please have the following information available when applying for your license:

• 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

Please have the following information available when applying for your license:

• 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.
• 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.