Chapter V · Business Regulations

Article 4. Short-Term Rentals

Sections 5-401 to 5-409 · 9 sections

5-401 Purpose and intent.

The purpose of this article is to create a fair and clear system for regulating short-term rentals to protect the safety of guests and the quality of life for local residents. The intent is to allow homeowners to benefit from the rental market while ensuring that residential neighborhoods remain stable and do not become dominated by commercial lodging. By requiring registration and setting basic operational rules, this article aims to prevent common issues like noise, parking problems, and trash accumulation that can impact neighbors. Additionally, these regulations ensure that all rental units meet essential health and fire safety standards, provide a local contact for accountability, and ensure that short-term rentals contribute their fair share to the community through local taxes. Ultimately, this framework is designed to balance the needs of the tourism industry with the primary goal of maintaining peaceful, affordable, and safe neighborhoods for all community members.

(Ord. 324)

5-402 Definitions.

For purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a)Short-Term Rental — means a dwelling unit, or portion thereof, offered for lodging for a period of less than thirty (30) consecutive days through platforms such as AirBNB, VRBO or similar services.

(b)Owner — means the person or entity holding legal or equitable title to the property used as a short-term rental.

(c)Operator — means any person responsible for managing or operating a short-term rental property.

(Ord. 324)

5-403 Applicability.

This article shall apply to all short-term rental properties located within the corporate limits of the City of Palco, Rooks County, Kansas.

(Ord. 324)

5-404 Registration and permit requirements.

No property shall be used as a short-term rental without first obtaining a permit issued by the City. Applicants shall provide:

(a)Owner and contact information

(b)Property Address

(c)Emergency contact information available 24 hours per day

(d)Proof of compliance with applicable zoning and safety requirements

(e)Proof of Insurance

(f)Permits shall be renewed annually as required by the City.

(Ord. 324)

5-405 Operational standards.

Short-term rental properties shall comply with the following requirements:

(a)Occupancy limits established by the City

(b)Compliance with applicable building, fire, and safety codes

(c)Maintenance of the property in a safe and sanitary condition

(d)Owner/Operator must submit an application annually for renewal as a short-term rental property/business

(e)The applicable fee shall be $100.00, payable to the City of Palco and renewable annually

(f)There shall be a limit of three (3) short-term rental locations within the City

(g)Compliance with all applicable lodging and city sales tax laws

(h)Observance of local nuisance and noise ordinances.

(Ord. 324)

5-406 Compliance with state and local law.

All short-term rental operations shall comply with applicable Kansas Law and City ordinances, including tax collection and remittance requirements.

(Ord. 324)

5-407 Penalty.

Any person, firm, corporation, or other legal entity, such as a limited liability company, violating any of the provisions of this article shall be subject to the following fines:

1st Offense: $50;

2nd Offense: $100;

3rd Offense: $500;

plus, a $10 per day fine (not to exceed $2500 maximum) for each day not in compliance.

(Ord. 324)

5-408 Revocation.

The City may suspend or revoke a short-term rental permit for violations of this article or other applicable laws.

(Ord. 324)

5-409 Enforcement and penalties.

Any violation of this article shall be subject to enforcement and penalties as provided by the City of Palco.

(Ord. 324)