Short-term rental permit rules in Kansas City, MO — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Kansas City requires all short-term rentals to register annually under Chapter 56, Article VIII (adopted June 2023). Two categories exist: Resident STRs (owner occupies 270+ days/year) and Non-Resident STRs (limited to commercial/mixed-use zones for new permits).
KCMO Code Chapter 56, Article VIII requires a valid STR registration before listing on any platform. Registration is obtained through CompassKC. Annual fee is $200 (CPI-adjusted annually). Resident STRs (owner occupies property 270+ days/year) are permitted in most residential zones. Non-Resident STRs in buildings with fewer than 3 units must be at least 1,000 feet from another STR. In multi-family buildings (3+ units), no more than 12.5% of units may be STRs. Properties registered before June 15, 2023 are grandfathered. Registrations are non-transferable on ownership change.
Operating without registration: $200–$1,000 fine per day. Three or more code convictions can result in 3-year registration revocation. Platforms must remove unregistered listings.
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