City Watch
Short-term rental rules in Wichita, KS
How Wichita regulates short-term rentals: the rules that apply, their sources, and pending changes.
Short-term rentals here operate under a registration or permit system with ongoing operating rules.
- Annual STR license required for every property ($225/yr)
- Non-owner-occupied STRs need an Administrative Permit (Planning Director-approved) before licensing
- Neighbor-protest can block: Planning Director shall not approve if >50% of owners of record protest
- Protest >50% converts the application to a Conditional Use public hearing
- Occupancy capped at 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 per unit
- Whole-home / absentee (non-owner-occupied) STR remains permitted in residential zones via administrative process
Based on: Wichita Code of Ordinances Ch. 3.40 (Short-Term Rental Property Licensing) + Unified Zoning Code Sec. V.L
Summary of the rule
If the location is NOT owner-occupied, an Administrative Permit must be applied for and granted first through the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department (Unified Zoning Code Section V.L).
View the ordinance source ↗✓ Verified
Last reviewed Sep 14, 2026 · Sources · Report an error
Pending legislation
Monitoring Wichita · system last checked Oct 25, 2026
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City Watch tracks changes from public sources — council agendas, state bills, local news — not a complete legal compendium.
A city permit is not the whole picture — HOA, condominium, deed, or lease rules may be stricter.
City Watch provides good-faith summaries of publicly available information as of the review date shown. Rules, enforcement, and permit availability can change, and summaries may contain errors or omissions. Ratings describe the general regulatory environment; they do not establish whether a particular property or stay is permitted. This is general information, not legal advice. Before buying, listing, or hosting, verify applicable requirements with the responsible authorities and review any HOA, condominium, deed, or lease restrictions.