Common policies covered occupancy restrictions, zoning regulations, length of time a Short Term Rental could be rented based upon if the property was owner-occupied or not. Some communities required neighborhood notification up to 500 feet from the rental property; while others required a public meeting coordinated by the property owner. In some cases, nearby property owners had to agree that the property could be used for short term rental. Most cities required a license and/or permit for the business to operate. Some communities allowed the business to transfer with the property, while others did not.
Possible Changes
In response to public comments and requests, the City of Wichita has explored possible options to make changes in the way that short-term rentals are regulated. The possible changes consist of the following elements:
- updates to the Unified Zoning Code;
- a new short-term rentals licensing program; and
- a new section of the Wichita Municipal Code to address party houses.
You can find draft copies of these changes on this website. Please note that this a process to determine whether regulations and/or changes are a good fit for Wichita. So, be sure to look for the most recent draft as the documents will likely be updated throughout the process.
Events
You can learn more about possible changes by attending or viewing an event. Below is a listing of events where information about the City of Wichita and possible changes related to short-term rentals are discussed.
Past Events
- On April 21, 2021, the City hosted a virtual meeting for Crown Heights Neighborhood residents and stakeholders to discuss existing regulations for short-term rentals in Wichita.
- On February 8, 2022, the City hosted a virtual meeting for Crown Heights Neighborhood residents and stakeholders to review potential option for regulatory changes related to short-term rentals. The feedback and questions from the meeting were used to help identify preferred options that could best meet community needs. The feedback received about short-term rentals and the ability to operate them in Wichita was diverse. There was general support for short-term rentals operating with the owner present. Responses for short-term rentals operating with out the owner present ranged from don't allow, to require a Conditional Use or other opportunity for neighbor input. In general, there appeared to be overall support for licensing. Participants provided a wide range of thoughts on what amount of fees would be appropriate. Multiple participants expressed concerns about the impact that short-term rentals would have on quality of life. Multiple participants also indicated that enforcement is important and had questions about how enforcement is done by the City.
- On October 25, 2022, the City Council received a presentation on potential regulation changes and licensing during the City Council workshop.
- On November 3, 2022, the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) Advance Plans Committee received a presentation on potential regulation changes and licensing.
- On December 5, 2023, DAB I received a presentation on short-term rentals and potential regulation changes.
- On December 7, 2023, DAB III received a presentation on short-term rentals and potential regulation changes.
- On January 4th, 2023, DAB V received a presentation on short-term rentals and potential regulation changes.
- On January 9th, 20232, DAB VI received a presentation on short-term rentals and potential regulation changes.
- On February 6th, 2023, DAB IV received a presentation on short-term rentals and potential regulation changes.
On February 14, 2023, the Realtors of South Central Kanas received a presentation on short term rentals and potential regulation changes.
On March 9, 2023, the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission - Advance Plans Committee received a presentation and recommneded that the full planning commission take action to schedule a public hearing.
On March 23, 2023, the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission voted to set a public hearing for April 13, 2023 o consider to proposed amendments to the Unified Zoning Code and changes to the Wichita Municipal Code.
On April 13, 2023, the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Planning Commissionreceived a presentation on proposed regulation changes related to short term rentals in Wichita and held a public hearing. Multiple members of the public provided comments. The Planning Commission voted to defer the item so that the MAPC Advance Plans Committee can consider the proposed regulation changes at their May 11, 2023 meeting.
Upcoming Events
- On May 11, 2023, the MAPC Advance Plans Committee is scheduled to discuss the proposed regulation changes.
- On May 11, 2023, the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss the proposed regulation changes.
- Wichita City Council (date TBD)
- Sedgwick County Board of County Commission (date TBD)
Public Input
You can provide input and share your thoughts about what changes (if any) the City should put in place regarding short-term rentals. Below are some ways to share your thoughts. Submit comments via email at planning@wichita.gov or submit a letter to the Planning Department at the following address: Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department (Attn: Mary Hunt), 271 W. 3rd Street, Suite 201, Wichita, KS 67202
Regulation and Policy Change Documents