Wichita, Kansas Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

The Unified Zoning Code governs short-term rentals in the City of Wichita. Short-term rentals are not explicitly listed or defined as land use in the Unified Zoning Code. There are, however, a few definitions in the Unified Zoning Code that regulate where and how long dwelling units can be rented in the City. There are typically three choices for how a short-term rental can be operated legally in the city based on the Unified Zoning Code. Short Term Rentals are not permitted in the unincorporated Sedgwick County.

Option A: Onsite Owner or Manager:
If the owner or a manager resides at the location, then the short-term rental would meet the definition of a Bed and Breakfast. Bed and Breakfast are owner-occupied or manager-occupied residential structures that provide rooms for temporary lodging or meals for no more than 15 Transient Guests on a paying basis. Bed and Breakfasts are permitted or conditional use in many districts (including RR, where they are a by-right permitted use.)

Option B: Without Onsite Owner or Manager and Shorter than 7-Days
If the owner or a manager is not on-site and the rental is for fewer than 7 days, then it would be classified as Hotel or Motel.  The Hotel / Motel is only permitted in the following districts:

• GO - General Office
• LC - Local Commercial
• GC- General Commercial
• CBD- Central Business District
• LI- Limited Industrial
• GI- General Industrial
• AFB- Air Force Base

Option C: Without an Onsite Owner or Manager and At-Least 7-Days
Suppose the owner or a manager is not on-site and the rental is for at least 7 days, and there are no more than 5 unrelated people at the rental. In that case, there is no distinction between the short-term rental from typical monthly rentals, and no special provisions in the Unified Zoning Code apply. For more information, visit the Planning Department, Zoning Enforcement Division. 

Business License Requirements

Short-term rentals might need a business license depending on their classification visit the Business Licenses Department for more information and consult the Unified Zoning Code depending on the land use.

Building and Housing Standards

Wichita has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing.  Consult the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department for more information.

Tourist and Local Taxes

Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the city, state, and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by the city, state and county law. 

Other Rules

It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the Wichita website for more information.