Residents operating short-term rental properties in unincorporated areas of Riley County now must apply for a license, with yearly renewals, following updated regulations passed by the County Commission May 5th.
This applies to Airbnb and Vrbo rentals. Licenses will be granted only once properties are in compliance with a list of requirements in the updated Riley County Land Development Regulations. That incldues having working smoke detectors in each bedroom, weekly trash collection and appropriately sized egress windows for the property.
Planning and Development Director Amanda Webb says the goal of the new short-term rental license program is to protect the health, life and safety of occupants.
The rule will apply to the roughly two dozen short-term rental properties outside of city limits in Riley County. Webb’s office will be in direct contact with owners to explain the process and requirements, which include a yearly property inspection. Short-term rentals can only be located within habitable structures and not in non-residential structures, such as sheds or garages.
For more information, visit RileyCountyKS.gov or call 785-537-6332.
