7 Step Guide to Kansas City Short-Term Rental Regulations
1. City Overview: Short-Term Rental Landscape
Kansas City, Missouri, regulates short-term rentals (STRs) through a structured permitting process that differentiates between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rentals. Operators must complete a pre-registration step, obtain a business license, and adhere to zoning, tax, and safety requirements to legally operate an STR in Kansas City.
For the most up-to-date short-term rental data, including occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue trends, visit the Chalet Market Dashboard.
2. Quick Facts
- Permit Required? Yes, all STRs must be registered and obtain a business license.
- Zoning Restrictions? STRs must comply with zoning laws, and non-owner-occupied STRs are only allowed in certain zoning districts.
- Maximum Occupancy: Subject to zoning district and property classification.
- Tax Requirements: STR operators must collect and remit local and state lodging taxes (15%)
- Renewal Frequency: Annual renewal required for both the STR permit and business license.
- Registration Fees:
- Pre-Registration Fee: $100
- Owner-Occupied STR Permit Fee: $100 (one-time fee)
- Non-Owner-Occupied STR Permit Fee: $300 (annual renewal required)
- Business License Fee: Varies based on revenue
- Insurance Required? Strongly recommended for liability protection.
- Enforcement Level: Active enforcement, including fines for non-compliance.
3. Getting Started with STRs in Kansas City (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Complete Pre-Registration
Before applying for an STR permit, property owners must complete pre-registration, which verifies zoning eligibility and provides neighborhood notifications.
- Pre-Registration Fee: $100 (non-refundable)
- Where to Apply: Kansas City STR Portal
- Processing Time: Varies depending on zoning review and neighborhood notifications.
