Johnson County adopts new rules for short-term rentals outside of city limits

Property owners who live outside of any city in Johnson County looking to use their property for short-term rentals will have new regulations designed to allow access to potential economic benefit while protecting quality of life for surrounding properties.

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved the new regulations on Thursday. The regulations apply to property owners who are hosting short-term stays of fewer than 30 nights.

Before Thursday's vote, Johnson County zoning regulations did not address short-term rentals. These new regulations can help ensure that potential hosts have a flexible and clear set of requirements to follow, while neighbors have an enforcement mechanism available if issues with a short-term rental arise.

These new regulations will go into effect on April 1, in time for this summer's FIFA World Cup 2026™:

• A short-term rental permit costing $150 will be required. Permits will be valid for one year after they are issued.
• The property owner shall designate a local representative who must be available 24 hours a day and seven days per week during any rental period.
• Adequate off-street parking outside the roadway must be provided.
• Parties and/or large gatherings are not permitted.
• Quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily.
• Guests are limited to two per bedroom, plus two additional guests.
• Adequate provision for trash disposal shall be made.
• A short-term rental is allowed in an accessory dwelling unit.

Planning staff intend to enforce the new regulations on a complaint basis. A complaint can be made by visiting Planning's Code Enforcement page or by calling 913-715-2205. After April 1, property owners can download an application for a short-term rental permit on the Johnson County Planning website.