Riley County officials will soon consider new regulations on short-term rentals in unincorporated areas, which they hope will address community concerns and improve oversight of properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO.
The proposed amendments include a 500-foot separation distance between units, requiring properties be current on all property taxes and county fees and requiring the property’s responsible agent respond in person within one hour of any complaint or emergency. Riley County Public Information Officer Vivienne Leyva said it’s something the county has been working on for several months.
“It seems like folks are still trying to figure out how to make it work with local hotels and make sure that neighbors are happy and that business owners and rental operators have the tools they need, and then overall, that people who stay in these units are safe and well taken care of, and that they’re the units are up to code,” she said.
