Topeka Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Topeka, Kansas?

Short-term rental regulations in Topeka, Kansas, are primarily governed by the Topeka Municipal Code Title 181.

These regulations aim to ensure the smooth operation of short-term rentals while protecting the interests of both hosts and neighbors.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Topeka

To start a short-term rental business in Topeka, follow these steps:

Review Topeka's Short Term Rental Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the city's short-term rental regulations as outlined in the Topeka Municipal Code Title 181.

Ensure Your Property Meets Zoning and Spacing Rules: Verify that your property complies with the zoning and spacing requirements specified in the regulations1.

Obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit: Apply for a special use permit through the City of Topeka's online Application Portal1. The permit fee is determined by the Director of Planning and Development5.

Register for a Business License: Obtain a business license for your short-term rental property2.

Set Up Taxes and Compliance: Collect and remit transient guest taxes to the city and ensure that your property complies with safety and health regulations8.

Adhere to Parking Requirements: Each short-term residential rental, Type II in an R, M-1, or M-1a district established after March 1, 2021, shall be no closer than 500 feet from another short-term residential rental, Type II or short-term residential rental, Type III in an R, M-1, or M-1a district5. Up to two on-street parking spaces may substitute for required off-street parking if the property is exclusive of other parking1.

For more information on starting a short-term rental business in Topeka, visit the City of Topeka's official website and consult with the Topeka Planning and Development Department1.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Topeka

Short-term rental regulations in Topeka, Kansas have recently been updated to include stricter requirements for hosts. To operate a short-term rental, hosts must obtain a special use permit from the City of Topeka12. The permit is valid for two years and may be renewed upon compliance with the requirements and payment of a fee2.

The Topeka Municipal Code defines three types of short-term rentals: Type 1, which is owner-occupied with no more than five bedrooms; Type 2, which is non-owner occupied with no more than five bedrooms; and Type 3, which is any property with six or more bedrooms12.

To obtain a special use permit, hosts must meet certain requirements, including parking requirements. The updated ordinance requires short-term rentals to include one parking space for the primary resident with one space for every two guests12.

Each parking space on private property must have a minimum width of 9 feet and length of 18 feet on asphalt, or compacted gravel meeting City of Topeka standards and accessible by an approved or existing Short Term Rental Type II2. Up to two on-street parking spaces may substitute for required off-street parking if the property exclusive of driveway approaches, sidewalk ramps, and no parking zones.

A minimum of 22 feet of frontage on a street is required for each on-street parking space2.Hosts must also obtain a business license and collect and remit transient guest taxes to the city13. The transient guest tax rate is 8.95% composed of state, county, and city taxes3.Topeka enforces short-term rental rules, and unpermitted hosts can receive violation notices leading to fines3. However, the Airbnb-friendliness of Topeka is a subject of debate among local hosts. Some hosts are re-evaluating their business models, while others are concerned about the impact of the regulations on their revenue13.

To start a short-term rental business in Topeka, individuals should review the Topeka Municipal Code Title 18, ensure their property meets zoning and spacing rules, apply for a special use permit, register for a business license, set up transient guest tax payments, and list their Topeka short-term rental3.

For more information about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Topeka, individuals can contact the Topeka Planning and Development Department

Required Documents for Topeka Short Term Rentals

To obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit in Topeka, you need to follow these steps:

Review Topeka's STR regulations: Familiarize yourself with the city's short-term rental regulations as outlined in the Topeka Municipal Code Title 181.

Ensure your property meets zoning and spacing requirements: Your property must comply with the city's zoning regulations and specific requirements for short-term rentals, such as parking spaces and distance from other rentals2.

Apply for a special use permit: Submit an application for a special use permit to the City of Topeka1. The application process can be done through the online Application Portal1.

Register for a business license: Obtain a business license for your short-term rental property4.

Set up transient guest tax payments: Collect and remit transient guest taxes to the city as required by local regulations7.

List your Topeka STR: Promote your short-term rental property on popular platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

Topeka Short Term Rental Taxes

To operate a short-term rental business in Topeka, hosts must comply with the city's regulations and requirements. One of the requirements is to collect and remit transient guest taxes to the city. The transient guest tax rate is 8.95%, which is composed of state, county, and city taxes2.

Hosts must ensure that they are paying the correct amount of taxes to avoid any violations and fines. The Topeka City Council has updated the ordinance to make short-term rental regulations stricter, including adding parking requirements for short-term rentals1.

It is important to note that short-term rental regulations and enforcement in Topeka are subjects of debate among local hosts. Some hosts are supportive of the regulations, believing that they will contribute to the well-being of neighborhoods, while others are concerned about the impact on their business and are considering alternative locations3.

To start a short-term rental business in Topeka, hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit from the City of Topeka, ensure compliance with parking requirements for the rental property, and collect and remit transient guest taxes to the city2.

Hosts must also review Topeka's STR regulations in Title 18, ensure their property meets zoning and spacing rules, apply for a special use permit, register for a business license, and list their Topeka STR2.

Kansas Wide Short Term Rental Rules

In Topeka, Kansas, the regulations for short-term rentals, including Airbnb and VRBO, have recently been updated to include stricter requirements. The Topeka City Council's updated ordinance now mandates that short-term rentals must provide one parking space for the primary resident and one space for every two guests. The ordinance also classifies short-term rentals into three types based on the number of bedrooms and whether the property is owner-occupied.

Type 1 refers to owner-occupied properties with no more than five bedrooms, Type 2 is non-owner occupied with no more than five bedrooms, and Type 3 encompasses any property with six or more bedrooms. Additionally, the city requires that the homeowner must reside at the address for at least 182 days in a year for a property to be considered owner-occupied.

The regulations also specify that up to three on-street parking spaces can be replaced with a minimum of 22 feet of "unobstructed street." The Topeka Municipal Code Title 18 provides a comprehensive overview of the complete regulations and requirements for short-term rentals in the city.

The City of Topeka's official website offers an online Application Portal for individuals to apply for Short-Term Rental Permits. The portal also features an interactive map indicating properties with permits to operate as short-term rentals. The regulations further define "owner-occupied" and "non-owner occupied" dwellings, and they outline specific requirements for each type of short-term rental.

The regulations also include a use table that indicates where short-term rentals are allowed, where an administrative permit is required, where a conditional use permit is required, and where they are prohibited based on the property's zoning.

The City of Topeka's updated regulations reflect a growing trend in many cities, including Kansas City, Missouri, where similar measures have been implemented. In April 2023, Kansas City voters approved a 7.5% tax on short-term rentals and added a $3 license fee for such properties. The city also passed ordinances that moved short-term rental registration to the Neighborhood Services Department, which is responsible for code compliance and community engagement.

These ordinances established additional guidelines for short-term rentals in neighborhoods, addressing concerns raised by various neighborhood associations. The regulations in Kansas City and Topeka are part of a broader effort to manage the impact of short-term rentals on residential areas and ensure compliance with local zoning and business regulations.

For individuals interested in starting a short-term rental business in Topeka, it is essential to carefully review the specific requirements outlined in the Topeka Municipal Code Title 18 and to engage with the city's Planning and Development Department for guidance on the application process and zoning regulations.

Additionally, it is important to consider the implications of the updated ordinances on parking requirements and the classification of short-term rentals based on property occupancy and the number of bedrooms. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, individuals can navigate the process of establishing and operating a short-term rental business in Topeka in compliance with the city's requirements.

Does Topeka Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Topeka's enforcement of short-term rental (STR) rules is robust, with unpermitted hosts facing violation notices and fines. The city's regulations are defined in the municipal code Title 18 zoning regulations, which cover permit requirements, spacing, taxes, parking, and other aspects that hosts need to adhere to1.

The Topeka Planning Department, at 785-368-3728 or planning@topeka.org, is the primary contact for inquiries about these regulations1. Hosts on platforms like Reddit and BiggerPockets have expressed frustration with the perceived overbearing nature of the rules, emphasizing the necessity of compliance and the strict enforcement, which has led to a perception that Topeka is not particularly Airbnb-friendly1.

The steps to start an STR business in Topeka include reviewing the city's regulations, ensuring property compliance, applying for a special use permit, obtaining a business license, setting up transient guest tax payments, and listing the property1.

The city's focus on enforcing these rules is evident from the reported issuance of violation notices and fines to unpermitted hosts1.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Topeka?

Starting a short-term rental business in Topeka, Kansas, involves several steps and adherence to specific regulations. Here's a straightforward guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Understand the regulations

Review Topeka's short-term rental regulations in Title 18 of the Municipal Code1. Familiarize yourself with the requirements, such as obtaining a special use permit, meeting zoning and spacing rules, and registering for a business license1.

Step 2: Ensure your property meets zoning and spacing requirements

Topeka's Municipal Code has specific rules for short-term rentals, including parking requirements and distance from other rentals7. Make sure your property complies with these regulations to avoid violations or fines.

Step 3: Apply for a special use permit

Obtain a special use permit from the City of Topeka1. The application process can be found on the city's official website3. Ensure that you provide all the required documents, such as site plans, floor plans, proof of ownership, and contact information1.

Step 4: Register for a business license

In addition to the special use permit, you will need to register for a business license in Topeka1. This can be done through the city's online application portal3.

Step 5: Set up transient guest tax payments

Hosts in Topeka must collect and remit transient guest taxes to the city1. The tax rate is 8.95%, composed of state, county, and city taxes1.

Step 6: List your property on short-term rental platforms

Once you have obtained the necessary permits and licenses, you can list your property on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.

Step 7: Maintain compliance with regulations

Ensure that you adhere to all the regulations, including providing safe and comfortable accommodations for guests, maintaining proper cleaning standards, and handling guest communications4.

Who to Contact About Topeka STR Regulations?

To ask about short term rental rules, contact the Topeka Planning Department at 785-368-3728 or planning@topeka.org.

What Topeka Hosts on Reddit and BiggerPockets Think About Regulations?

The sentiment among Topeka hosts on Reddit and BiggerPockets regarding the local short-term rental (STR) regulations is one of frustration with the perceived overbearing nature of the rules. On Reddit, some hosts find the regulations to be burdensome but necessary, while on BiggerPockets, experienced hosts have warned that Topeka does enforce the rules with fines.

The overall tone reflects a sense of frustration with the red tape associated with running an STR business in Topeka1.For more detailed information, individuals should refer to the Topeka Municipal Code Title 18 and consult with the Topeka Planning and Development Department.