What are the permit fees in Topeka?

Density Rule: Type II/III rentals established after March 1, 2021 must be at least 500 feet from other Type II/III rentals in residential zones.

What should Topeka hosts know about events prohibited: type i and?

Events Prohibited: Type I and II rentals cannot be used for weddings, receptions, or large parties.

What are the key requirements for Topeka hosts?

Strict Parking: You must provide 1 space for the resident plus 1 space for every 2 guest bedrooms.

What are the key requirements for Topeka hosts?

182-Day Rule: To be classified as Type I (Owner-Occupied), you must live there for at least 182 days per year.

Topeka, KS Short-Term Rental Regulations & Permit Guide

Summary

Topeka requires a biennial Short-Term Rental Permit and classifies properties into three types based on occupancy and bedroom count.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

Hosts in Topeka must apply for a permit through the Planning and Development Department, pay a $125 fee, and renew every two years. The city enforces strict parking rules (one space for residents plus one for every two guest bedrooms) and density limits for non-owner-occupied units in residential areas.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.2%

Permit Fee

$125

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Density Rule: Type II/III rentals established after March 1, 2021 must be at least 500 feet from other Type II/III rentals in residential zones.
2.Events Prohibited: Type I and II rentals cannot be used for weddings, receptions, or large parties.
3.Strict Parking: You must provide 1 space for the resident plus 1 space for every 2 guest bedrooms.
4.182-Day Rule: To be classified as Type I (Owner-Occupied), you must live there for at least 182 days per year.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Topeka: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Topeka does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Topeka allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires a signed Owner Authorization Form.
•Topeka allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Two-Family, Multi-Family.

Requirements(12)

•Topeka: 182-Day Rule: To be classified as Type I (Owner-Occupied), you must live there for at least 182 days per year.
•Topeka: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
•Topeka requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Permit". Apply through Planning & Development Department. Processing time: 2-4 weeks. Renewal is required.

Application Process(7)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Topeka: Step 1: Zoning and Use Table Review - Determine your property type (I, II, or III) and verify if your zone allows STRs or requires an Administrative or Conditional Use Permit. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.topeka.org/planning/str/ Step 2: Prepare Parking and Site Plan - Draw a plan showing off-street parking (min 9x18 ft spaces) and any utilized on-street parking frontage (min 22 ft per space). Documents needed: Parking Plan, Site Plan. Estimated time: 1-3 days. More info: https://www.topeka.org/planning/str/ Step 3: Submit Permit Application - Complete the online application via the Topeka Planning and Development portal, including all safety acknowledgments. Documents needed: Owner Authorization, Proof of ownership. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 125. More info: https://www.topeka.org/planning/str/ Step 4: Neighbor Notification - The Planning Director will notify owners of all parcels adjacent to the property (within 200 ft radius) upon permit issuance. Estimated time: Included in processing.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Topeka charges a registration fee of $125 (biennial).
•Topeka: Density Rule: Type II/III rentals established after March 1, 2021 must be at least 500 feet from other Type II/III rentals in residential zones.

Taxes(2)

•Kansas has a state sales tax of 0.065% that applies to STR rentals.
•Topeka charges a Transient Guest Tax of 0.07%. This applies to stays under 28 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Marketplace facilitators like Airbnb collect and remit state and local taxes.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Topeka limits stays to a maximum of 28 nights.
•Topeka occupancy calculation: Limited by parking capacity (1 space per 2 guest bedrooms).. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Topeka enforces quiet hours: Social events restricted to 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM..

Safety Requirements(1)

•Topeka requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted emergency contact, Emergency escape routes clearly marked, Adequate lighting in stairwells, Handrails for stairs.

Penalties(2)

•Topeka enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Violation notice. Second offense: Fines per daily violation. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $200 - $1,000 per day. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Topeka: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Topeka exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Topeka: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Unlock: 4-Step Application Guide

Get step-by-step application guides and access to all 51+ markets.

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Topeka

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Create a free account

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

Create a free account

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Kansas Markets

Wichita

Olathe

Overland Park

Lawrence

Topeka

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Topeka?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Topeka?

3What are the parking requirements for Topeka rentals?

4Are there density limits for rentals in Topeka?

Related Content

Other Kansas Markets

Wichita

Olathe

Overland Park

Lawrence