Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Great Bend, KS?

Short-term rentals are allowed in Great Bend, Kansas, subject to city licensing, inspection, and zoning requirements. STRs are defined as properties rented to transient occupants for fewer than 30 days (including Airbnb/Vrbo and bed-and-breakfast operations). The city created a permitting and inspection program to balance the rights of property owners with the need to protect neighborhood character and safety. When first adopted, STRs were authorized as permitted uses in designated zoning districts. In 2023, the City Council amended the regulations to remove a neighbor-approval requirement and shift to two-year licenses, making operation simpler while maintaining safety standards.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Great Bend

• Confirm zoning eligibility and intended use:
  • STRs must be operated in zoning districts where they are allowed as permitted uses. If your property is not in an approved district, you will need to explore a zoning variance or alternative compliance pathways.
• Prepare the property:
  • Short-term rentals are subject to city inspection. Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, safe egress, general habitability, and compliance with fire and building codes. The city’s Building Inspector may license a higher maximum occupancy when reasonable for the property.
• Submit the city application and schedule inspection:
  • File the city STR application with the Building Inspections Department, pay the initial application fee, and schedule the mandatory inspection. The initial application fee is $100 (covers the inspection).
• Obtain license and renew on schedule:
  • Upon passing inspection, you will receive an STR license. Licenses are issued for two years. An annual renewal fee of $75 is referenced in city materials; given the two-year license term, confirm with Building Inspections whether renewals are biennial (one $75 renewal per two-year cycle) or if a $75 renewal applies each year.
• Operate continuously in compliance:
  • Observe occupancy limits, safety standards, and neighborhood-friendly practices. Report changes in ownership or contact details. Maintain responsiveness to neighbor concerns and city notices.
• Monitor local ordinance updates:
  • The city adjusted its STR rules in 2023 to remove the 55% neighbor affidavit requirement and to allow a higher, property-specific maximum occupancy. Keep track of future changes through city announcements or legal notices.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City requirements

• Short-Term Rental Application (to be filed with Building Inspections)
• Property ownership verification (e.g., deed, tax statement, or recorded document)
• Contact information for the responsible party (owner/operator), including local and out-of-state contacts if applicable
• Initial application fee: $100 (covers the inspection)
• License term: Two years
• Renewal fee: $75 (confirm renewal cadence with Building Inspections)
• Completed city inspection and safety compliance (smoke/CO detectors, egress, fire safety, and general habitability)
• Occupancy and operational limits:
  • Transient occupancy is defined as fewer than 30 days
  • The Building Inspector may license a higher maximum occupancy when justified by the property
• Notice to neighbors:
  • The city provides notice to property owners within 200 feet; neighbors are encouraged to report issues but no longer have a formal approval veto
• Licensing oversight:
  • The program is administered by Building Inspections, similar to other contractor licensing processes

State-level considerations

• Transient Guest Tax (TGT):
  • Kansas imposes a transient guest tax on lodging transactions (hotels, motels, and similar accommodations). STR operators who provide lodging for fewer than 28 days are generally required to collect and remit TGT. Registration and remittance are typically administered through the Kansas Department of Revenue.
  • Note: Specific rates vary and may be updated by the state or local jurisdictions. Confirm current rates and registration details with the Kansas Department of Revenue.
• Sales tax:
  • Kansas sales tax rules may also apply depending on the nature of the transaction and locality. Verify whether sales tax applies to your STR activity and register if required.

Specific Regulations (City, County, and State) Governing STRs in Great Bend

City of Great Bend regulations (Ordinance 4423 and related materials)

• Zoning and use classification:
  • Short-term rentals were authorized as permitted uses in designated zoning districts, avoiding a more restrictive conditional use process.
• Definitions and scope:
  • Transient occupancy is less than 30 days; applies to properties like Airbnb, Vrbo, and bed-and-breakfasts; does not regulate hotels, motels, lodging houses, or hospitals.
• Licensing and inspection:
  • STRs require city licensing and inspection, managed by Building Inspections.
• Neighbor engagement:
  • The original ordinance required certified notice to property owners within 200 feet and an affidavit showing at least 55% approval. This requirement was removed by amendment in October 2023.
• License duration and fees:
  • Licenses are now issued for two years. Initial fee $100 (inspection included). Renewal fee $75 (confirm cadence).
• Occupancy:
  • The Building Inspector may license higher maximum occupancy where reasonable for the property.
• Enforcement:
  • The city can respond to violations, including neighbor complaints, and may revoke a license if issues persist.

Barton County

• The sources do not provide county-specific STR regulations beyond city jurisdiction. Confirm with the County Clerk or County Commission if any additional county requirements apply.

State of Kansas

• Transient Guest Tax:
  • STRs providing lodging for fewer than 28 days are generally subject to TGT. Operators must register with the Kansas Department of Revenue and file/ remit taxes periodically.
• Sales tax:
  • Sales tax rules may apply. Consult KDOR for guidance on registration, rates, and filing.

Contact Information (Phone, Email, Website) for Local Authority in Charge of STRs

• City of Great Bend Building Inspections
  • Physical Address: 1205 Williams St., Great Bend, KS 67530
  • Phone: (620) 793-4120
  • Managing Official: Matt Schafer, Building Inspector
• City Hall / City Administration (general inquiries)
  • Physical Address: 1205 Williams St., Great Bend, KS 67530
  • Phone: (620) 793-4115
• City Attorney (legal inquiries regarding STR ordinance)
  • Allen Glendenning, City Attorney
  • Note: Direct contact details are not provided in the sources; coordinate through City Hall at (620) 793-4115

For state-level tax registration and reporting:

• Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR)
  • Website: www.ksrevenue.gov
  • Phone: See KDOR website or local office listing

Links to Source Pages

• Great Bend Tribune: “Council amends short-term rental rules” — www.gbtribune.com/news/local-news/council-amends-short-term-rental-rules/
• Great Bend Post: “Great Bend makes Airbnb licensing less restrictive for owners” — greatbendpost.com/posts/8f52f0b2-c8a7-42bc-889d-ab380c58fa68
• Great Bend Tribune: “Short-term rental program approved” — www.gbtribune.com/news/local-news/short-term-rental-program-approved/

Notes and investor guidance

• Before listing or operating, verify current zoning and licensing status with Building Inspections. The city’s 2023 amendments removed the neighbor approval affidavit and moved to two-year licenses, but fees and renewal cadence should be confirmed to avoid compliance gaps.
• Monitor local legal notices and city updates. The Planning Commission and City Council have revised rules after public input, and further changes could occur.
• Engage proactively with neighbors. Although the formal approval requirement was removed, maintaining good relationships and rapid response to concerns reduces enforcement risk.
• Confirm state tax obligations (Transient Guest Tax and any applicable sales tax) with KDOR. Registration, reporting frequency, and rates are subject to change.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based solely on the referenced sources. Investors should verify the latest requirements, fees, and taxes with the City of Great Bend Building Inspections and the Kansas Department of Revenue before proceeding.