Air BnB

Short-term rentals like Airbnbs and VRBOs will need to get a license and pay a fee to operate in the city of Wichita after the council passed new regulations Tuesday .

Many of the short-term rentals that operate in residential areas currently do so against existing city codes.

The policy change the City Council approved means short-term rentals can now operate legally, if they obtain the required licensing and zoning permits.

The regulations would require a $225 annual fee and liability insurance. Occupancy would be limited, as would the number of people gathering at the short-term rentals.The policy allows short-term rentals in most residential areas. If the owner does not live on-site, they would need to apply for a special permit to operate, which requires the notification of neighbors. If half of the notified neighbors oppose the short-term rental, then the application is forwarded to the city’s planning commission.

Existing short-term rentals have six months to meet the new licensing requirements and up to a year to get into compliance with the new rules.