Yes. Short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) provided you obtain and maintain a valid, unexpired STR registration. Under Kansas City Code §56‑803, STRs are defined as rentals of a dwelling unit (or portion thereof) for fewer than 30 consecutive days, unless the rental meets the definition of “lodging” or “bed and breakfast.” The city has a comprehensive STR registration and tax program and enforces compliance through its Neighborhood Services and Revenue Divisions. See KCMO STR page and Kansas City Code §56‑803.

Note: If you are specifically researching Grant City (in St. Joseph County), there are no city‑specific STR regulations in the provided source materials; you would operate under Missouri state lodging statutes and county ordinances, plus any local zoning controls.

How to start a short‑term rental business in KCMO

Start with pre‑registration items before your application.

• Set up your tax accounts:

  • Register with QuickTax to establish an STR account for each STR property. Even if you have an existing Finance Department account, you must establish a separate STR account per property using Form RD‑100 (in person at City Hall, 1st floor Finance/Business License or online via QuickTax).
  • After accounts are established, obtain a tax clearance letter (required for registration).

• Prepare all documents (see Required Documents below).

• Submit your STR registration:

  • Apply online via CompassKC. STR “registrations” are filed in the permits module but are considered registrations, not permits.

• File taxes and maintain compliance:

  • File all taxes online using QuickTax (RD‑306 per location; RD‑108 per owner/TAX ID).
  • Renew your registration annually and obtain business licenses as applicable.

KCMO STR page; QuickTax; CompassKC; KCMO STR Tax FAQ.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

Pre‑Registration Requirements (all registrants)

• Proof of possession (one):
  • Valid warranty deed; or
  • Valid lease; or
  • Verification of tenant’s right to possession (alternative document subject to Neighborhood Services Director approval).

Registrant Status Requirements

Residents (Kansas City)

• Proof of primary residence (two of the following):
  • Valid motor vehicle registration;
  • Federal/state tax returns or other financial documentation;
  • Proof of voter registration;
  • Utility bill.
• Notarized affidavits:
  • Registrant Certification Affidavit;
  • Owner Consent Affidavit (if registrant does not own the property);
  • Owner’s Certification of Registration Affidavit (if registrant does not own the property).

Non‑Residents (outside Kansas City)

• Notice of Active Accounts for the subject property (QuickTax).
• Notarized affidavits:
  • Registrant Certification Affidavit;
  • Management Control and Responsibility Affidavit;
  • Owner Consent Affidavit (if registrant does not own the property);
  • Owner’s Certification of Registration Affidavit (if registrant does not own the property).

Permits, Licenses, and Taxes

• STR Registration (annual, expires after 1 year; reregistration opens 30 days before expiration; registration and reregistration via CompassKC).
• Business License: Required for non‑resident STRs (a separate license per STR location).
• Tax clearance letter: Required before registration; obtain via QuickTax or in person (1st floor City Hall).
• Taxes:
  • RD‑306: Quarterly local tax return per STR location.
  • RD‑108: Annual profits return per owner/TAX ID (one per owner, not per location).

KCMO STR page; KCMO STR Tax FAQ; QuickTax; CompassKC.

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals

Kansas City, MO (City level)

• Definition:
  • STR = rental for fewer than 30 consecutive days, unless it meets “lodging” or “bed and breakfast” definitions.
• Density & Zoning Limits for non‑resident STRs:
  • 1,000‑foot rule: In structures with 1–2 dwelling units in commercially zoned areas, registration is prohibited if another non‑resident STR (or approved Type 2 under prior Chapter 88) exists within 1,000 feet of the applicant unit.
  • 12.5% cap: In multiple‑family structures (3+ units) in commercially zoned areas, no more than 12.5% of the structure’s dwelling units may be registered as non‑resident STRs (under the current ordinance) or have been approved as Type 2 under prior Chapter 88.
  • Parcel rule: On a parcel with only one principal dwelling unit, there may be only one STR (whether in the principal unit or an accessory unit).
• Exemptions from zoning/density restrictions:
  • Non‑resident STRs that had administrative approval or a special use permit (SUP) under Chapter 88 on or before May 4, 2023, and whose approval remains valid (not expired or revoked), are exempt from the current zoning and density limits. Renewal applications are still required.
• Registration transfers:
  • Registrations are non‑transferable. Upon owner or registrant change, the property must reregister under the current ordinance.
• Reregistration:
  • Annual renewal begins 30 days before expiration.
• Taxes:
  • STRs are subject to local taxes remitted via RD‑306. The operator may collect the tax from the guest at check‑in or remit it themselves; platforms (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) are aware of the ordinance.
• Penalties:
  • Unregistered operation is subject to ordinance violations; fines typically range from $200 to $1,000 per violation. Each day of unlawful operation can be a separate violation.
• Inspections and enforcement:
  • Suspected violations can be reported to 311 (816‑513‑1313) or via the myKCMO app.

Kansas City Code §56‑803; KCMO STR page.

St. Charles, MO (City level – example of Missouri municipal STR regulation)

• The provided content shows how Missouri cities can impose local STR rules. St. Charles:
  • As of April 2025, lifted a moratorium but capped new residential STRs to the Extended Historic Preservation District (EHP) and limited STRs to 0.15% of total housing units (~48 units). New residential applications are currently not being accepted.
  • Requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for residential STRs in the EHP, a 500‑foot buffer between STRs in residential zoning, off‑street parking (one space per bedroom), and a mandatory noise monitoring device.
  • Commercially zoned STRs within the EHP overlay do not require a CUP.
  • Annual STR permit and safety inspection required; proration applies for new permits after July 1 (not for renewals).

St. Charles STR page.

Missouri State Level (County and state rules)

• If a property qualifies as a “lodging establishment,” it is regulated by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and must obtain a state lodging license. Under state law:
  • Lodging establishment = a place offering five or more guest rooms to the public for hire (hotel, motel, resort, cabins, tourist home, etc.).
  • License required; license fees apply; inspection at least annually.
  • State lodging license does not replace local business licensing, zoning, or building/fire codes; those must also be met.
  • STRs that do not meet the lodging establishment definition (e.g., single‑unit rentals or small rentals under five rooms) are not subject to state lodging licensure but must comply with local registration/zoning/tax requirements.
  • DHSS rules cover drinking water, wastewater, sanitation, fire/life safety, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and pools/spas.

Missouri DHSS Lodging Manual (Chapter 315 RSMo and 19 CSR 20‑3.050).

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs in KCMO)

Short‑Term Rental Program (Kansas City, MO)

• Phone: (816) 513‑3226
• Email: shorttermrental@kcmo.org
• Registration portal: CompassKC
• Tax setup and filings: QuickTax (Finance/Revenue Division)
• STR Tax FAQs: KCMO STR Tax FAQ
• Permitting questions: Matthew Keeney (matthew.keeney@kcmo.org)

General City Contacts

• Report STR violations: (816) 513‑1313 or via myKCMO app
• City Hall address: 414 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64106
• City Hall hours/holidays: see KCMO website

KCMO STR page; KCMO STR Tax FAQ.

Source pages

• Kansas City, MO Short‑Term Rentals (KCMO STR program page): www.kcmo.gov/programs-initiatives/str
• Kansas City, MO Short‑Term Rental Tax FAQs: www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/finance/tax-home/str-tax-faq
• QuickTax online filing and registration: quicktax.gentax.net/KCP/TAP/_/
• CompassKC STR registration portal: compasskc.kcmo.org/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService#/home
• Kansas City Code of Ordinances §56‑803 (STR definitions and requirements): library.municode.com/mo/kansas_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORKAMIVOII_CH56PRMACO_ARTVIIISHRMRERE_S56-803ANSHRMRERE
• Registered STRs list (as of 9/29/2025): www.kcmo.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/15566/638947560198930000
• St. Charles, MO Short‑Term Rentals (city regulations and procedures): www.stcharlescitymo.gov/1259/Short-Term-Rentals
• Missouri DHSS Lodging Establishments Manual (state laws and rules): health.mo.gov/safety/lodging/pdf/lodgingmanual.pdf

Practical guidance for Grant City, MO operators Because the provided sources do not include city‑specific STR rules for Grant City, investors should:

• Confirm zoning with county or local planning officials and check HOA/covenants.
• If the property would function as a lodging establishment (five or more guest rooms), obtain Missouri DHSS lodging licensure and comply with state safety/sanitation rules.
• Register for and remit state and local taxes appropriate to transient accommodations (lodging taxes and sales/use tax, if applicable).
• Monitor local ordinance updates and county boards for new STR rules.