Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Leavenworth, KS?

Leavenworth, Kansas does not publish a city‑specific short‑term rental (STR) ordinance; STRs are not expressly prohibited. STR operations must meet the same baseline requirements as any other business and rental housing in the city: obtain a business license, register rental properties with the city’s Rental Property Registration Program, and comply with applicable zoning, building, fire/life‑safety, and occupancy standards. Investors should anticipate a case‑by‑case review because city guidance for STRs is limited and existing code references are broad (e.g., general business licensing and rental registration). For context, the Washington Leavenworth STR interpretation (March 1, 2023) illustrates how neighboring jurisdictions treat STRs (R‑1 transient occupancy and conversion requirements); it is not Kansas law but useful to understand typical expectations in similar markets.

How to start a short‑term rental business in this market

1. Confirm zoning and use

   • Engage the Planning & Community Development Department early to determine whether STR use is permitted, conditionally permitted, or requires a special use permit on your parcel. Provide the exact address and current zoning. Expect a written determination if the status is unclear.

2. Prepare licensing and registration

   • Apply for a city business license (Leavenworth Municipal Code 5.04.030 requires a license for any person engaging in business within the city).
   • Register the property under the city’s Rental Property Registration Program if you will rent dwelling units to guests for any duration (including short‑term stays). Submission is to the City Clerk and the Rental Property Coordinator.
   • If the owner resides more than 40 miles outside Leavenworth, designate a local resident agent.

3. Complete building and safety due diligence

   • For any change of use or structural work, secure the required building permit(s). Confirm the occupancy classification under the International Building Code (IBC)/International Residential Code (IRC) that applies to your intended operation (e.g., transient lodging vs. residential).
   • Schedule and pass any required inspections (fire, life safety, egress, accessibility, etc.).
   • If the STR will operate in an owner‑occupied single‑family home as a lodging/B&B, verify whether a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required in the applicable zoning district; if so, initiate that process.

4. Operational compliance

   • Maintain the business license and keep the rental registration current.
   • Report any changes to ownership, number/location of rental units, or contact information within 30 days.
   • Ensure compliance with any city, county, and state requirements that apply to transient lodging and housing safety.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Business License (citywide; required to operate any business in Leavenworth; LMC 5.04.030)

  • Where to file: City Clerk’s Office (City Hall, 100 N. 5th Street)
  • Fee: As prescribed by the city (contact the City Clerk for current fee schedule)

• Rental Property Registration Program

  • Coverage: All rental dwellings, including single‑family, multi‑family, and rented units in owner‑occupied dwellings
  • Exemptions: Hotels/motels; state‑licensed bed & breakfast; convents/monasteries/parish houses/rectories; mosques/temples/churches/synagogues; hospitals/licensed nursing/assisted living; jails; residential units owned/operated by a housing authority
  • Fee: $20 per property (per owner name)
  • Where to file: City Clerk’s Office; application forwarded to the Rental Property Coordinator
  • Required information: Owner details; property address(es); resident agent information (if owner lives >40 miles outside the city)
  • Change reporting: Notify the city in writing within 30 days of any change to information on file

• Building Permit(s) and Inspections

  • Required when there is a change of use or structural work
  • Standards: IBC/IRC as applicable to the proposed occupancy and construction
  • Process: Submit plans, secure permits, complete inspections, obtain occupancy approval as required

• Conditional Use Permit (CUP), if applicable

  • Potentially required for owner‑occupied bed & breakfast operations in certain residential zoning districts
  • Contact Planning & Community Development to confirm applicability and process

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals (city, county, and state)

• City of Leavenworth (Leavenworth Municipal Code)

  • Business licensing: LMC 5.04.030 requires a valid business license to engage in any business activity within the city.
  • Rental Property Registration: City program requires registration and a $20 fee; owner agent designation required if owner resides >40 miles away; 30‑day change reporting requirement.
  • Building and occupancy: Any change of use or construction must conform to IBC/IRC and obtain building permits and inspections as applicable. Design Review or Sign Permits do not authorize changes of use; only building permits evaluate and approve the use in relation to zoning and life‑safety requirements.
  • Zoning and CUPs: CUP may be required for owner‑occupied B&B use in residential areas; STR use in residential districts may be limited or prohibited depending on zoning. Confirm directly with Planning & Community Development.

• Leavenworth County

  • The provided sources do not contain county‑specific STR regulations. Investors should verify whether the county has any separate licensing or health requirements for short‑term lodging.

• State of Kansas

  • The provided sources do not identify any state‑level STR registration or license. Investors should confirm any health, safety, or tax obligations with state agencies.

• Comparative context (Washington Leavenworth; not Kansas law)

  • Washington Leavenworth’s 2023 Administrative Interpretation clarifies STRs as R‑1 transient occupancies and requires building conversions and compliance with IBC life‑safety, accessibility, and fire standards. This illustrates typical requirements in a STR‑specific ordinance but is not binding in Kansas.

Contact information (local authority for STRs)

• Planning & Community Development Department (zoning and land use)

  • Phone: 913‑680‑2626
  • Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday–Friday
  • Location: 100 N 5th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048
  • View contact details: www.leavenworthks.org/cd/custom-contact-page/planning-and-community-development-department

• City Clerk’s Office (business licenses and filings)

  • Address: City Hall, 100 N. 5th Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048

• Rental Property Coordinator (registration questions)

  • Phone: 913‑364‑5840

Links to source pages and documents

• City of Leavenworth — Rental Property Registration

  • www.leavenworthks.gov/cd/page/rental-property-registration

• Rental Property Registration Fact Sheet (PDF)

  • www.leavenworthks.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_amp_community_development/page/14401/rental_registration_fact_sheet_revised_january_2021.pdf

• Rental Property Registration Application (Fillable PDF)

  • www.leavenworthks.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_amp_community_development/page/14401/rental_regisration_application_1-2021_fillable_form.pdf

• Leavenworth Municipal Code (Municode — City Code of Ordinances)

  • library.municode.com/ks/leavenworth/codes/code_of_ordinances

• City of Leavenworth (Washington) — Administrative Interpretation 2023‑01 (contextual reference only; not Kansas law)

  • cityofleavenworth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Admin-Interp-2023-01-STR-FINAL.pdf

Note: If city or county STR‑specific rules emerge, they will supersede this general guidance. Investors should verify zoning, occupancy classification, fire/life‑safety requirements, and any pending ordinance updates directly with the Planning & Community Development Department before acquiring or operating an STR in Leavenworth.