Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Highland, Kansas?

• Explicit answer: Yes—short-term rentals are allowed in Highland. The City of Highland’s official website does not publish any short-term rental–specific ordinance, license, or prohibition for properties inside city limits. As a result, Highland operates under the default Kansas state framework unless a future city ordinance is adopted.
• High-level implication for investors: You may list and operate an STR in Highland without obtaining a city-issued STR license at this time; however, you must comply with statewide building, fire, health, and tax obligations. Always monitor city meetings for future rulemaking.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Highland, Kansas

1. Site and property due diligence

• Confirm zoning and neighborhood suitability. Highland is a small community in Doniphan County with typical single-family residential uses. If your parcel sits within city limits, it is presumptively usable as a dwelling. If your property is outside city limits (unincorporated), it will be governed by Doniphan County zoning and Kansas state rules.
• Map utilities, access, and parking. Highland’s municipal services, parking, and nuisance rules apply to residents and businesses alike; ensure your STR won’t create chronic parking, noise, or sanitation issues.

2. Statewide legal and tax obligations

• Registration and taxation: Register with the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) to collect and remit Transient Guest Tax (TGT) and sales tax on lodging, as applicable. Platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) typically collect TGT automatically; confirm your registration status and filing cadence directly with KDOR.
• Insurance: Maintain liability coverage appropriate for hosting paying guests; consider property damage and short-term rental-specific policies.
• Local contact: While Highland has not mandated a local responsible agent, it is prudent to designate a Kansas-based contact to respond to guest and neighbor issues promptly.

3. Compliance with building, fire, and accessibility standards

• Apply building code and fire safety standards that apply to single-family dwellings (International Residential Code/International Building Code as adopted by the state), including:
  • Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms where required;
  • Safe egress, structurally sound stairs/railings, and adequate ventilation;
  • Safe and sanitary water supply, wastewater disposal, and refuse management;
  • Emergency information posted (address/route, utility shutoffs, contacts).
• ADA considerations: While small STRs are often exempt from full ADA coverage, ensure reasonable accessibility for guests where feasible; if you market “ADA-accessible” features, ensure they meet the Americans with Disabilities Act’s requirements.

4. Guest policies and operations

• Establish guest limits aligned with sleeping capacity and safety standards; include quiet hours, parking rules, occupancy caps, and house rules in your listing and booking agreement.
• Prepare safety guides, local rules, and emergency contact information for guests; share contact details of the local responsible person.

5. Licensing timeline and pre-opening checklist

• Because Highland has no city-specific STR license, your timeline hinges on state tax registration and compliance items:
  • Register with KDOR and set up sales/TGT accounts (allow time for processing).
  • Confirm property insurance and finalize safety and cleanliness protocols.
  • Confirm utilities, waste service, and parking logistics.
  • Test smoke/CO alarms and document maintenance logs.
• Launch only after you can collect and remit taxes, maintain safety standards, and respond promptly to neighbor or guest issues.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-level requirements

• KDOR registration and tax filings (sales and Transient Guest Tax for lodging). Retain records, remittances, and KDOR correspondence.
• Proof of property insurance and any applicable landlord policy endorsements.
• Basic safety documentation: smoke alarm/CO alarm test logs; note appliance and electrical safety checks.
• Guest house rules and emergency information sheet; responsible agent contact details.

Local guidance

• Highland’s municipal code appears on the city website; if you cannot locate an STR-specific ordinance, contact City Hall to verify whether any changes have been adopted.
• Because Highland is in Doniphan County, the County’s zoning and any applicable health or nuisance codes may apply to unincorporated properties; verify county requirements directly.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals: City, County, and State

City of Highland (Doniphan County)

• No published STR-specific ordinance identified. The city’s website covers general municipal topics (e.g., parking, utility billing, municipal court) but does not list a short-term rental licensing program.
• Consequence: No local city license/permit required at this time. You must comply with general laws and codes, and monitor for future ordinances.

County-level

• Doniphan County does not publish a dedicated STR regulatory program in the provided sources. If your property lies outside Highland’s city limits, check County zoning and health/nuisance rules for any specific provisions that may affect STR operations.

State of Kansas

• Sales tax and Transient Guest Tax obligations apply to lodging; register with KDOR and collect TGT where applicable.
• Building, fire, health, and safety standards apply to dwellings used as STRs; ensure compliance with state-adopted codes.
• Kansas allows local governments to regulate STRs (licensing, occupancy limits, responsible-agent requirements, tax collection agreements, etc.). This means Highland and Doniphan County could adopt new STR rules at any time; investors should periodically review city meetings and county updates.

Comparative local context (non-applicable to Highland)

• Riley County (Manhattan area) is currently considering STR updates: a 500-foot separation between STR units, a requirement to be current on property taxes for licensing, and a one-hour, in-person response requirement for responsible agents in unincorporated areas. These proposals would apply only outside city limits in Riley County and are not applicable to Highland or Doniphan County.
• Arkansas City (Cowley County) requires a Conditional Use Permit for STRs at specific addresses with conditions such as a guest cap (5), no pets, off-street parking when feasible, and compliance with ADA/fire standards—along with a permit expiration on sale. These rules are city-specific in Cowley County and do not apply to Highland.

Contact Information (Local Authority)

City of Highland

• Address: City Hall, 220 West Main St., PO Box 387, Highland, KS 66035
• Phone: 785-442-3765
• Email: joann@cityofhighlandks.com; debra@cityofhighlandks.com
• Website: www.highlandks.com/
• Notes: Business hours listed as 8:00–12:00 and 1:00–4:00. Contact City Hall to confirm whether any STR-related requirements have been adopted since this writing.

Doniphan County (for unincorporated properties)

• County website: dpcountyks.com/
• Recommended: Contact County Planning/Zoning or the County Clerk to verify any county-level zoning or nuisance provisions affecting STRs outside city limits.

State of Kansas (tax and regulatory research)

• Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) website: www.ks.gov/
• Typical paths: Business tax registration; Transient Guest Tax information; local-option taxes.

Links to Source Pages

• City of Highland official website: www.highlandks.com/
• Riley County STR update (KSNT): www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/riley-county-proposes-updates-to-short-term-rental-regulations/
• Arkansas City STR CUP article (Citizen Portal): citizenportal.ai/articles/6342796/Arkansas-City/Cowley-County/Kansas/Commission-approves-conditional-use-permit-for-short-term-rental-at-311-Highland-Drive
• Arkansas City Planning Commission article (Citizen Portal): citizenportal.ai/articles/6342903/Arkansas-City/Cowley-County/Kansas/Planning-commission-approves-conditional-use-permit-for-short-term-rental-at-311-Highland-Drive
• Arkansas City Ordinance No. 2025-02-_____ (CUP at 311 Highland Drive): mccmeetingspublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/arkancitks-meet-b6904aa2b57a41639c0d7277dccf1281/ITEM-Attachment-001-c8f58dccc6fb4c27be8d5856eba7960b.pdf

Practical Compliance Summary for Highland STR Investors

• Highland currently has no published city STR ordinance; operate under state law and general codes.
• Register with KDOR and set up sales/TGT collection and remittance; reconcile platform-reported taxes.
• Maintain property and liability insurance; keep safety documentation up to date.
• Establish guest policies and designate a local responsible person to address complaints quickly.
• Monitor City of Highland and Doniphan County channels for any future STR-related actions.