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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Wakeeney, KS, but they are tightly regulated. The City of Wakeeney has established a comprehensive regulatory framework through Ordinance No. 1345 (adopted October 3, 2022) that permits short-term rental operations within city limits, subject to strict registration, permitting, and operational requirements. The city maintains a cap on the total number of STRs allowed (maximum of 4 locations citywide) and implements occupancy limits, property type restrictions, and ownership limitations to balance economic opportunities with neighborhood preservation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Wakeeney, KS

Starting a short-term rental business in Wakeeney requires following a specific regulatory process:

Step 1: Property Qualification Assessment

• Ensure your property meets eligibility criteria: only permanent residential dwelling units qualify; mobile homes, RVs, travel trailers, tents, vehicles, and similar non-permanent structures are prohibited
• Verify the property is located within Wakeeney city limits
• Confirm your property is in a single-family or conforming residential structure (multi-unit buildings are limited to one STR per building)

Step 2: State Registration

• Register your short-term rental with the State of Kansas as required by state law
• Obtain proof of state registration before proceeding with city applications

Step 3: Conditional Use Permit Application

• Apply for and receive a conditional use permit from the City of Wakeeney
• Submit comprehensive application including property documentation and operational plans
• Note: Due to the citywide cap of 4 STR locations, you may need to join a waiting list if the maximum has been reached

Step 4: City Registration and Compliance

• Register the property as a short-term rental with the City
• Pay the $100 annual registration fee
• Sign the required waiver of liability
• Ensure compliance with all city ordinances and building codes

Step 5: Operational Setup

• Establish occupancy limits (maximum of 2 persons per conforming bedroom plus 2 additional persons)
• Implement systems to ensure traffic patterns don't exceed what would be expected from a permanent resident household
• Prepare for ongoing compliance monitoring and annual registration renewal

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State Level Requirements:

• Kansas State short-term rental registration certificate and proof of registration

City Level Requirements:

• City of Wakeeney conditional use permit (mandatory before operation)
• City short-term rental registration certificate ($100 annual fee)
• Signed waiver of liability (attached to Ordinance No. 1345)
• Proof of state registration to be provided to City's Code Enforcement Officer
• Building compliance verification (conforming bedroom documentation for occupancy calculations)

Operational Documentation Required:

• Current property ownership documentation
• Business registration documentation
• Insurance verification (recommended though not explicitly stated)
• Emergency contact information and property management details
• Occupancy calculation documentation (based on conforming bedrooms)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Wakeeney, KS

Eligibility and Ownership Restrictions:

• Only permanent residential dwelling units qualify as STRs
• Mobile homes, RVs, travel trailers, tents, vehicles, and similar non-permanent structures are prohibited
• Single entity ownership limited to one STR location within the city
• Married couples or business partners are considered a single entity for ownership purposes
• Grandfathering provision: Current owners (as of October 3, 2022) with multiple properties (maximum 2) are exempt from the one-per-entity rule

Quantity Limitations:

• Maximum of 4 short-term rental locations citywide
• No more than one STR permitted within multi-unit dwelling structures or mixed-use buildings
• If an STR is sold, the new owner has 30 days from closing to apply for a conditional use permit; failure to do so results in permit transfer to the next person on the waiting list

Occupancy and Capacity Limits:

• Maximum occupancy calculated as: 2 persons per conforming bedroom plus 2 additional persons total
• Conforming bedrooms must meet building code requirements to be classified as bedrooms
• Example: A property with 2 conforming bedrooms has a maximum occupancy of 6 persons

Traffic and Neighborhood Impact:

• STR operations must not generate more traffic or different types of vehicle traffic than a home occupied by a permanent resident
• Property must comply with all Wakeeney city ordinances at all times

Compliance Timeline:

• Properties operating as of October 3, 2022 had one year (until October 3, 2023) to come into compliance with the ordinance
• New properties must comply immediately upon operation

Penalty Structure for Violations:

• Class A, Non-person Misdemeanor charges
• Maximum penalties: 1 year jail term and up to $2,500 fine
• Minimum fines: 1st Offense $50; 2nd Offense $100; 3rd Offense $500
• Additional $10 per day fine (not exceeding $2,500 maximum) for each day of non-compliance

Contact Information for Local Authority in Charge of STRs

City of Wakeeney - Primary Contacts:

Physical Address: 408 Russell Avenue, WaKeeney, KS 67672

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 157, WaKeeney, KS 67672

Phone: 785-743-5791 Fax: 785-743-5471

Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Key Personnel:

• City Administrator/Clerk: Hardy D. Howard (primary contact for STR inquiries)
• Code Enforcement Officer: Contact through City Administrator's office

City Council (for permit approvals):

• Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:15 PM
• Location: 408 Russell Avenue, WaKeeney, KS 67672
• Appointments must be made before 9:00 AM on the Friday preceding meetings

Municipal Court (for violations):

• Physical Address: 216 N. Main Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672
• Phone: 785-743-5458
• Court Days: 1st Wednesday of the Month at Noon

Emergency Services:

• Police Department: 785-743-5711
• Fire Department: 785-743-5721
• Emergency: 911

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Source:

• City of Wakeeney Short-Term Rental Operations Ordinance: www.wakefieldks.citycode.net/articleShortTermRentalOperations.htm

City Government Information:

• Trego County Website - City of Wakeeney Page: tregocountyks.gov/city-of-wakeeney/

Additional Resources:

• Wakeeney City Codes (Full Municipal Code): Available through Trego County website
• Kansas State STR Registration: Contact Kansas Secretary of State office for current registration requirements

Note: All city codes and ordinances are maintained through the Trego County website, which serves as the official repository for Wakeeney municipal documents. The short-term rental regulations are codified under Article 4 of Chapter V (Business Regulations) of the city code, established by Ordinance No. 1345.

This guide provides a complete regulatory roadmap for establishing and operating a short-term rental business in Wakeeney, Kansas. Prospective operators should carefully review all requirements and maintain ongoing compliance with city ordinances to avoid penalties and ensure sustainable operations within this tightly regulated but permitted market.