Jackson County, MO Short-Term Rentals: Permit Requirements (2026)

Kansas City adopted updated STR rules under Ordinance 230268, splitting the program into Resident STRs (operator's primary residence; one per parcel) and Non-Resident STRs (operator does not reside on site; one per parcel, with caps on density). Registration is annual, valid for one year, and may be renewed beginning 30 days before expiration. The standard registration fee is $200; a reduced Major Event STR Registration of $50 is offered for the limited window May 3 to July 31, 2026 (covering FIFA World Cup-related activity). Required submissions include identification, SSN/EIN, proof of ownership, address verification, tax clearance, and a compliance certification; Non-Resident STRs additionally require a Kansas City business license, zoning compliance, and adherence to density restrictions of 1 per 1,000 ft of street frontage and a maximum 12.5% of dwelling units in multi-family buildings. STRs are defined as rentals of a property or dwelling unit for less than 30 consecutive days. Applications are submitted online through CompassKC (compasskc.kcmo.org). Missouri does not preempt local STR regulation, so Kansas City may impose these rules. Outside Kansas City, each Jackson County city sets its own rules — North Kansas City has its own STR ordinance, and Independence, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Raytown, and Grandview each handle STRs through their own codes. Unincorporated Jackson County has not adopted a county-level STR permit; rentals must still comply with the UDC residential-use definitions for the parcel's district. State and local lodging/sales tax under RSMo §144.020 applies to all stays of less than 31 days regardless of jurisdiction.