Topeka allows long-term rental of ADUs subject to Chapter 18's accessory-use and owner-occupancy framework. Short-term rentals (under 28-30 days) are subject to Kansas Transient Guest Tax under KSA 12-1696 et seq. and to local transient guest tax administered by the City. Kansas has no statewide STR preemption and no rent control. Tenancies fall under the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KSA 58-2540 et seq.).
Long-term ADU rentals (30 days or more) in Topeka are allowed where the underlying Chapter 18 accessory-use conditions are met, with no separate rental cap and no minimum lease term beyond the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KSA 58-2540 et seq.). The KRLTA governs security deposits (capped at one month's rent for unfurnished and one and one-half months for furnished units under KSA 58-2550), notice for rent increases and terminations, habitability standards, and eviction procedures through Shawnee County District Court. Kansas is not a rent-control state and Topeka has no local rent-stabilization ordinance. Short-term rentals — defined typically as lodging for fewer than 28-30 consecutive days — trigger the Kansas Transient Guest Tax under KSA 12-1696 et seq. plus the local City transient guest tax administered through the City's Finance Department; combined rates often run in the 8-10% range. Operators must register with the Kansas Department of Revenue and the City to collect and remit the tax. STR-specific zoning regulation in Topeka is administered through Chapter 18; some residential districts may treat short-term rental as a transient lodging use subject to special-use review. Source-of-income discrimination: Kansas has no statewide protection for Section 8 voucher holders. Fair housing: the federal Fair Housing Act and the Kansas Act Against Discrimination (KSA 44-1015 et seq.) prohibit discrimination on protected bases.
Unpermitted STR operation can result in code enforcement action, fines through Topeka Municipal Court, and collection of unpaid Kansas and City transient guest tax with interest and penalties through the Kansas Department of Revenue. Long-term rentals without owner occupancy may violate Chapter 18's ADU accessory-use conditions and lead to revocation of the certificate of occupancy. HOA CC&R violations are enforced privately under KSA 58-3801 et seq.
Topeka, KS
Topeka allows construction during daytime hours. Construction in or near residential areas is generally permitted from 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 9...
Topeka, KS
Topeka requires vehicles to be parked on paved or approved surfaces. Parking on lawns is prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Topeka, KS
Topeka regulates RV and boat storage in residential areas. Vehicles must be on improved surfaces and properly maintained.
Topeka, KS
Topeka generally does not require building permits for standard residential fences up to 6 feet. Fences must comply with zoning setback and height requirements.
Topeka, KS
Kansas law does not require neighbor consent for fence installation on your own property. Boundary fences may involve shared responsibility under common law ...
Topeka, KS
Topeka limits residential fence heights to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards under the zoning code.
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