Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Wichita

Wichita, KS Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Owner-occupied STRs
Allowed as a matter of right
Non-owner-occupied STRs
Also allowed, if zoned properly
Annual license fee
$225 per unit
Owner-occupied rule
Owner must stay on-site
Governing chapter
Wichita Municipal Code Chapter 3.40

Summary

Wichita does not require a short-term rental to be the owner's primary residence: both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units are licensed, though non-owner-occupied rentals can require extra zoning approval first.

a.Owner Occupied Short-Term Rental Units are allowed, as a matter of right, as permitted by the Wichita Sedgwick County Unified Zoning Code.b.Non-Owner Occupied Short-Term Rental Units are allowed as permitted by the Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Zoning Code. If additional zoning approval is required, an application for such zoning approval must be submitted to MAPD before an application for licensing is submitted to the City's Licensing Department.

Source: Wichita City TreasurerView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).

Full Breakdown

City Code Sec. 3.40.040 permits Owner Occupied short-term rental units 'as a matter of right' under the Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Zoning Code, and separately permits Non-Owner Occupied units under the same zoning code: with a catch: if the zoning code requires extra approval for the non-owner-occupied use, the owner must get that zoning sign-off from MAPD before applying for the rental license. Either way, an annual $225 Short-Term Rental license (Sec. 3.40.060) is required, and an owner-occupied licensee must stay on-site while guests are there (Sec. 3.40.050(i)).

Violations & Fines

Operating any Short-Term Rental without the required license is a misdemeanor under Sec. 3.40.170(d): up to a $500 fine and six months in jail, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in my Wichita short-term rental to get a license?
No. Wichita Municipal Code Sec. 3.40.040 allows both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied short-term rentals; non-owner-occupied units can just need extra zoning approval before licensing.
What's the difference between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STRs in Wichita?
Owner-occupied means it's the operator's primary residence and they stay on-site during rentals (Sec. 3.40.030); non-owner-occupied is any other licensed STR, which can require added zoning approval.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Wichita

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsSignificant RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsRepeat Violator StrikesSignificant RestrictionsInsurance RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise RulesSome RestrictionsOccupancy LimitsSome RestrictionsHost Platform LiabilitySome RestrictionsHost Presence RuleSome RestrictionsExtended Home ShareSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions

All Wichita rules

Compare Wichita to another location·View the Kansas short-term rentals overview

Get notified when Primary-Residence-Only Rule in Wichita, KS changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.