Fayetteville’s Airbnb bypass

Fayetteville City Council will consider extending a streamlined permitting process for short-term property rentals, like Vrbo or Airbnb, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports.

• A process that excludes the involvement of the Planning Commission started in April and is set to expire Nov. 21.

Why it matters: Properly permitted short-term landlords are required to collect and pay the city's 2% hotel, motel and restaurant sales tax. Making the process easier could increase the number of property owners offering rentals.

• Increasing these rentals also helps retain tourism dollars on those weekends when all of Fayetteville's hotels are completely booked.

Details: Short-term renters in Fayetteville are required to have a business license within six months of beginning operation and pass a safety inspection.

By the numbers: There are 90 city-approved short-term rentals in Fayetteville, but the city estimates 500 to 600 are in operation, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports.

What to watch: The city council will discuss extending the streamlined process when it meets on Nov. 16. The extension would expire on Feb. 21.