How to get a short-term rental permit in Kansas City, MO (2026)
Kansas City requires Short-Term Rental Registration (annual registration under Chapter 56, Article VIII, Code of Ordinances) — the fee is $200, renewed annual. Here's how to get and keep it.
Permit at a glance
| Permit required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Permit name | Short-Term Rental Registration (annual registration under Chapter 56, Article VIII, Code of Ordinances) |
| Permit fee | $200 |
| Renewal | Annual |
Step by step
- 1
Confirm your property is eligible
Confirm the property's zoning allows short-term rentals. The city splits STRs into 'resident' (registrant is a long-term resident whose primary residence — occupied a cumulative minimum of 270 days per calendar year — is on the parcel) and 'non-resident' STRs. Resident STRs are permitted in zoning districts AG-R, R, B, D, UR, MPD and M1. Non-resident STRs are expressly prohibited in ALL R (residential) districts and are permitted only in AG-R, B (business), D (downtown) and M1 (manufacturing) districts, plus MPD/UR districts under approved mixed-use development plans (Sec. 88-321, Zoning and Development Code). Non-resident STRs must also meet density limits: in structures with fewer than 3 dwelling units they must be at least 1,000 feet from the nearest registered non-resident STR; in structures with 3+ units, no registration issues if 12.5% or more of the units are already registered STRs. Only one STR is allowed on any parcel with a single principal dwelling unit. Non-resident STRs in properties receiving City economic incentives are barred. Type 2 STRs properly permitted before the May 2023 overhaul are grandfathered from the zoning/density rules. Occupancy is capped at 2 persons per rented bedroom plus 1, max 8 guests per dwelling unit; no events/parties and no food service to guests.
- 2
Apply for the Short-Term Rental Registration (annual registration under Chapter 56, Article VIII, Code of Ordinances)
Submit the Short-Term Rental Registration (annual registration under Chapter 56, Article VIII, Code of Ordinances) application to Kansas City and pay the $200 fee. Standard annual registration fee is $200.00, adjustable annually by CPI (Sec. 56-803(1)). A separate $50.00 Major Event Short-Term Rental Registration (Sec. 56-812, added by Ordinance 250965) authorizes operation for up to 90 days during a designated major event; the city designated May 3-July 31, 2026 for the FIFA World Cup. Non-resident STRs must additionally hold a business license to operate a short-term rental pursuant to Chapter 40 of the Code.
- 3
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Kansas City. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
- 4
Renew on schedule
The permit renews annual — set a reminder so it never lapses, since operating on an expired permit typically triggers fines.
STR rules change without warning.
Get an email the moment Kansas City changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.
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Verified July 21, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Kansas City before applying.