Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Derby, KS

Short-term rentals are explicitly ALLOWED in Derby, Kansas. The City of Derby has adopted comprehensive regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) such as Airbnb and Vrbo properties, effective May 22, 2024. The regulations establish a structured framework that permits STR operations while ensuring compliance with local standards and neighborhood compatibility.

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

Starting an STR business in Derby requires a systematic approach with multiple regulatory steps. The process begins with verifying your property's location and zoning classification, followed by obtaining necessary permits and registrations.

STEP 1: Location and Zoning Verification

First, confirm your property is within Derby city limits using the Derby Street Map. Not all Derby street addresses are within city boundaries, and properties outside city limits must follow their respective jurisdictional STR processes.

STEP 2: Determine Permit Requirements

Administrative Permit Required: If your property is located in single-family or two-family zoning districts and you rent to guests for 1-28 days at a time, an Administrative Permit is mandatory. Properties in other zoning districts may have different requirements.

Business Registration Required: All STRs must register with the City of Derby regardless of zoning classification.

STEP 3: Review Regulatory Requirements

Before proceeding, thoroughly review:

• Administrative Permit Application Instructions (page 3)
• Zoning Regulations Article 1105.J.1
• Derby Municipal Code Chapter 5.04 Business Registration

STEP 4: Administrative Permit Application

Complete and submit the Administrative Permit Application with all associated materials to City Hall. The Zoning Administrator will review and render a decision within 30 days.

STEP 5: Business Registration

Following Administrative Permit approval:

1. Submit Business Registration Application with fee to City Hall
2. Coordinate with City staff to schedule required inspections
3. Upon inspection approval, receive Business Registration Certificate and Good Neighbor Agreement

STEP 6: Annual Renewal

Business Registrations must be renewed annually, with inspections required for renewal approval.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Administrative Permit Requirements:

• Completed Administrative Permit Application
• Property ownership verification
• Written notification to neighboring property owners
• Compliance with zoning regulations

Business Registration Requirements:

• Completed Business Registration Application
• Payment of applicable fees
• Successful completion of city inspections
• Liability insurance verification ($250,000 minimum)

Operational Requirements:

• Good Neighbor Agreement: Must be clearly displayed inside each unit, provided by the City
• Business Registration Certificate: Must be clearly displayed within the unit
• Liability Insurance: Minimum $250,000 per unit coverage (third-party platform insurance acceptable)
• Emergency Contact: Must be provided and accessible to guests

Inspection Requirements:

All STR units must pass city inspections before receiving Business Registration Certificate. Inspections verify compliance with:

• Safety standards
• Occupancy limits
• Parking requirements
• Emergency access
• Health and sanitation standards

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Derby Municipal Code)

Definition: Short-term rentals are defined as "a dwelling, or portion thereof, which provides sleeping accommodations for transients, with or without meals, for compensation and by pre-arrangement for a period of 28 days or less."

Administrative Permit Process:

• Required for properties in single-family and two-family zoning districts
• Involves written notification to neighboring property owners
• Protest petition process available to neighbors
• If 50% or more of property owners within 200 feet protest, Planning Commission hearing required
• Zoning Administrator has 30-day decision timeline

Occupancy and Parking Standards:

• Specific limits established in Zoning Regulations Article 1105.J.1
• Parking requirements must be met as outlined in application instructions
• Emergency access must be maintained

Insurance Requirements:

• Minimum $250,000 liability coverage per unit
• Coverage must protect against damages to guests, neighbors, and invited guests
• Third-party platform insurance acceptable

Neighborhood Protection Measures

Protest Rights: Property owners within 200 feet of a proposed STR may file protest petitions. If 50% or more protest, an administrative permit cannot be granted by staff, triggering Planning Commission review.

Good Neighbor Agreement: Each unit must display the City's Good Neighbor Agreement, which includes:

• Emergency contact information
• Maximum overnight occupancy limits
• Maximum gathering occupancy limits
• Parking requirements
• Guest compliance requirements with city ordinances and state statutes

County-Level Regulations

The provided content does not specify Sedgwick County-specific STR regulations. Properties within Derby city limits fall under municipal jurisdiction.

State-Level Regulations (Kansas)

The provided content references compliance with "state statutes" but does not detail specific Kansas state requirements for short-term rentals. Investors should consult Kansas state law for additional requirements beyond municipal regulations.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact:

• Scott Knebel, Derby City Planner
• Phone: 788-6632 ext. 1236
• Email: scottknebel@derbyweb.com

City of Derby Main Office:

• Address: 611 Mulberry Road, Suite 300, Derby, KS 67037-3533
• Phone: 316-788-1519
• Fax: 316-788-6067
• Website: www.derbyks.gov

Contact Methods:

• Email through city website directory
• Phone during business hours
• In-person visits to City Hall

Links to Source Pages

• Short-Term Rental Permit & Registration - City of Derby
• Derby Adopts Short-Term Rental Regulations - News Release
• Short-term rental policy part of update - Derby Informer
• Derby Adopts STR Regulations - CivicAlerts
• Administrative Permit Application Instructions
• Business Registration Application
• Derby Municipal Code Chapter 5.04 Business Registration
• Derby Street Map
• STR Protest Petition Instructions

Additional Resources

The City of Derby maintains a current list of registered STR businesses, providing transparency and market intelligence for potential investors. The list includes owner names, business names, and property addresses, offering insights into the competitive landscape and geographic distribution of existing STRs in the market.