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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Riley County, KS

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals in Riley County are permitted only with a county-issued license and must be within a habitable structure (not in sheds, garages, tents, or RVs). Occupancy is limited to two overnight guests per bedroom plus three additional guests; one off-street parking space per bedroom is required. Properties must meet safety requirements (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers), observe quiet hours (10:00 PM–7:00 AM), and maintain weekly trash service.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Short-Term Rental License application via the Riley County Planning & Development online portal or paper form. 2) Provide required attachments: $200 initial fee ($100 renewal), a trash disposal plan, Rules of Conduct, and a property boundary map showing designated parking. 3) Upon approval, the license is issued to the owner and must be renewed annually.

Official Resources

Official Riley County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Riley County, KS?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Riley County, KS, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals in Riley County are permitted only with a county-issued license and must be within a habitable structure (not in sheds, garages, tents, or RVs). Occupancy is limited to two overnight guests per bedroom plus three additional guests; one off-street parking space per bedroom is required. Properties must meet safety requirements (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers), observe quiet hours (10:00 PM–7:00 AM), and maintain weekly trash service. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Riley County, KS?
Short-term rentals in Riley County are permitted only with a county-issued license and must be within a habitable structure (not in sheds, garages, tents, or RVs). Occupancy is limited to two overnight guests per bedroom plus three additional guests; one off-street parking space per bedroom is required. Properties must meet safety requirements (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers), observe quiet hours (10:00 PM–7:00 AM), and maintain weekly trash service.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Riley County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Riley County. 1) Submit a Short-Term Rental License application via the Riley County Planning & Development online portal or paper form. 2) Provide required attachments: $200 initial fee ($100 renewal), a trash disposal plan, Rules of Conduct, and a property boundary map showing designated parking. 3) Upon approval, the license is issued to the owner and must be renewed annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Riley County?
1) Submit a Short-Term Rental License application via the Riley County Planning & Development online portal or paper form. 2) Provide required attachments: $200 initial fee ($100 renewal), a trash disposal plan, Rules of Conduct, and a property boundary map showing designated parking. 3) Upon approval, the license is issued to the owner and must be renewed annually.
Is Vrbo legal in Riley County, KS?
Vrbo is permitted in Riley County, KS under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Riley County?
Short-term rental hosts in Riley County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Riley County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Riley County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction