Riley County

Photo Courtesy of Riley County

The Riley County Planning and Development Department is proposing amendments to local Short-Term Rental (STR) regulations to address community concerns and improve management of properties operating outside city limits.

The proposed changes include:

• Adding a 500-foot separation distance between STR units.
• Requiring STR properties to be current on all property taxes and county fees before receiving or renewing a license.
• Requiring the Responsible Agent to respond in person within one hour of notification of a complaint or emergency.

These amendments would apply only to properties located in unincorporated areas of Riley County, outside city limits. Currently, 30 short-term rental properties operate in these areas, offering homes or cabins for rent on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO.

“Requiring a separation distance helps reduce parking and traffic problems, and defining a quick in-person response ensures that property managers can assist renters or address complaints promptly,” said Riley County Planning and Development Director Amanda Webb. “Ensuring taxes and fees are paid before a license is issued also gives the county the leverage it needs to maintain accountability.”

Properties that violate code requirements or operate without a license will be subject to standard code enforcement and prosecution procedures.

Next Steps and Public Input

The Riley County Planning Board recommended approval of the proposed amendments on October 20, 2025. The Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board will hold a public hearing on November 3, 2025, providing the next opportunity for public comment.

Following that discussion, the Riley County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will consider the amendments in mid-November (date to be determined). This meeting will not be a public hearing however, the BOCC will consider feedback from the planning boards, staff, and the public before making a final decision.

Anyone wishing to share comments should do so during the public comment portion of regular BOCC meetings or by submitting written feedback to the Planning and Development Department before the mid-November session.

If approved by the BOCC, the amendments will take effect immediately, and all future STR licenses will be subject to the new regulations.

Background

The Board of County Commissioners began discussing STR regulations earlier this year, following the 2024 Kansas Association of Counties Conference, where many counties shared challenges managing short-term rentals. Riley County staff have since held multiple work sessions with both the BOCC and local planning boards to develop and refine the proposed language.

Contact

For more information or to provide written feedback, contact:

Riley County Planning and Development Department

110 Courthouse Plaza, Manhattan, KS 66502

Phone: 785-537-6332

Email: planning@rileycountyks.gov

Website: [//www.rileycountyks.gov/planning]www.rileycountyks.gov/planning