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

Short-term rentals ARE permitted in Alma, Kansas and Wabaunsee County, but they require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the Wabaunsee County Planning and Zoning Commission. This means that while short-term rentals are allowed as a land use, investors must go through a formal application and approval process before operating. The county has established specific regulations and conditions for short-term rental operations, particularly in the State Park area where many of these activities are concentrated.

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

Starting a short-term rental business in Alma requires following the county's formal Conditional Use Permit process:

Step 1: Pre-Application Research

• Zoning Verification: Confirm your property is in a zone where short-term rentals are allowed as a conditional use
• Property Location: The documents show activity in the Wabaunsee County State Park area, particularly around Cedar Circle and Lakeshore Drive

Step 2: Conditional Use Permit Application

• Application Filing: Submit a CUP application to the Wabaunsee County Planning and Zoning Commission
• Required Documentation: Prepare comprehensive documentation supporting your application
• Notification Requirements: The county will provide written notification to all landowners within the prescribed distance as required by K.S.A. 12-757(b)

Step 3: Public Hearing Process

• Planning Commission Hearing: The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on your application
• Public Notice: The hearing will be properly noticed according to county regulations
• Commission Decision: The Planning Commission will vote on the application and make a recommendation

Step 4: County Commission Approval

• Board Review: The Wabaunsee County Board of County Commissioners reviews the Planning Commission's recommendation
• Final Decision: The Board approves or denies the CUP application
• Resolution: If approved, a formal resolution is adopted establishing the permit

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Requirements:

1. Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

• Application Form: Filed with Wabaunsee County Planning and Zoning Commission
• Legal Basis: K.S.A. 12-757 and amendments
• Processing Time: Based on meeting schedules (regular monthly meetings)

2. Liability Insurance Requirements

• Minimum Coverage: $1,000,000 aggregate policy limits for liability
• Ongoing Requirement: Must maintain current coverage and show proof upon request by Zoning Administrator

3. Operational Documentation

• Guest Registry: Maintain comprehensive list of all individuals using the rental structure
  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone information
  • Dates and times of stay

4. Neighbor Relations

• Contact Information: Provide all contiguous neighbors with your contact information
  • Home or mobile phone number
  • Designate a local point of contact who is a resident of the lake area
  • Share this information with the Zoning Administrator upon request

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Wabaunsee County Requirements:

Property-Specific Guidelines

Based on the approved permits in the area, the following properties show examples of approved STR locations:

• 150 Cedar Circle, Alma, KS - Approved for The Wertzberger Family Trust
• 390 Lakeshore Dr, Alma, KS - Approved for Jessica Lynn Properties LLC

Operational Conditions:

1. Land Use Guidance: Provide renters with clear guidance on appropriate land usage and parking
2. Neighbor Relations: Ensure renters understand property boundaries to avoid trespassing
3. Regulatory Compliance: Abide by all State, County, Lake, or applicable City rules
4. Fire Safety Monitoring: Monitor burn bans and secure fire pits/areas when bans are in effect

Permit Duration:

• Effective Period: CUPs are effective for two years from approval date
• Renewal Process: Properties must renew permits (evidenced by Jessica Lynn Properties LLC renewal in 2025)

Enforcement:

• Zoning Administrator Oversight: Josh Falk serves as Zoning Administrator
• Public Process: Both Planning Commission and County Commission public meetings
• Neighbor Complaints: Direct reporting to Zoning Administrator

State-Level Kansas Regulations:

• K.S.A. 12-757: Governs conditional use permits for counties
• Local Authority: Wabaunsee County has authority to regulate STRs through their zoning process
• Public Hearing Requirements: Must follow K.S.A. 12-757 notification and hearing procedures

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact:

Wabaunsee County Planning and Zoning Commission

• Zoning Administrator: Josh Falk
• Secretary: Lynn Deever (as of June 26, 2025)
• Address: Wabaunsee County Courthouse, Alma, KS 66401
• Phone: Not specified in provided documents
• Email: Not specified in provided documents

Additional Contacts:

Wabaunsee County Board of County Commissioners

• Chairman: James W. MacGregor
• Vice-Chair: Nancy L. Hier
• Member: Boyd Ivan Davis
• County Clerk: Abby Amick

Meeting Location:

• Wabaunsee County Courthouse, Alma, Kansas
• Public meetings held regularly with specific hearing times for permit applications

Links to Source Pages

Official Documents and Sources:

1. Wabaunsee County Planning Commission Meeting Minutes: kspublicnotices.newzgroup.com/KSLegals/2025/31750-2025-09-18_1001.pdf
2. CUP Application Public Notice: kansaspublicnotices.com/KSLegals/2025/31750-2025-07-03_1004.pdf
3. CUP Approval Resolution: kansaspublicnotices.com/KSLegals/2025/31750-2025-02-06_1004.pdf

Additional Resources:

• Wabaunsee County Website: Contact county offices directly for current contact information and forms
• Kansas Statutes: K.S.A. 12-757 for conditional use permit regulations
• Planning Commission Secretary: Contact through Wabaunsee County Courthouse for current application forms

Important Notes for Investors:

1. Market Activity: The documents show active STR development in the Wabaunsee County State Park area, suggesting investor interest
2. Approval Timeline: From application to final approval appears to take several weeks to months based on meeting schedules
3. Neighbor Relations: Strong emphasis on maintaining good relationships with contiguous neighbors
4. Insurance Costs: Factor in the $1M liability insurance requirement into your business model
5. Seasonal Considerations: Consider burn ban restrictions when planning operations, particularly during high-risk fire periods

This regulatory framework provides a clear path for legitimate short-term rental operations while ensuring community input and neighbor protection.