Short-Term Rental Laws in Kearney, Nebraska

Kearney, NE (University of Nebraska-Kearney, I-80 midpoint, Sandhill Crane migration viewing) has NOT adopted a municipal STR registration or permit requirement as of 2026. STR permitted by right citywide subject to underlying residential zoning. Annual demand peaks during the Sandhill Crane migration (March), UNK events, and the Nebraska State Track meets. Operators register only with Buffalo County and Nebraska Department of Revenue for lodging-tax collection.

No municipal zoning restriction on STR use. STR allowed across all residential (RR, R-1, R-2, R-3) and commercial zones. Confirm subdivision covenants — some Yanney Park / Lakeside / Talmadge Park area HOAs may restrict STRs.

No municipal STR enforcement infrastructure. Buffalo County Treasurer enforces lodging-tax remittance. Nebraska Department of Revenue enforces state sales/lodging tax. Code enforcement on noise/nuisance handled through standard municipal channels.

Combined short-term lodging tax in Kearney is approximately 12.000% of gross nightly revenue (state sales + state TRT + local TRT + applicable resort/city options).

Nebraska State sales tax 5.5% + Kearney city sales tax 1.5% + Buffalo County lodging tax 4% + Nebraska state lodging tax 1% — combined ~12% on transient lodging

Verify the current combined rate via the Utah State Tax Commission before remitting — rates drift quarterly.