1,000-Foot Buffer for Short-Term Rentals Starts Oct. 1

Published on September 24, 2024

Starting Tuesday, Oct. 1, if you want to make your house a Short-Term Rental – such as an Airbnb or VRBO – you can’t operate within 1,000 feet of an existing STR.

In May, the City of Merriam started regulating STRs after the City Council adopted a new ordinance requiring the City to begin licensing STRs. The ordinance included a 1,000-foot buffer area effective Oct. 1.

If you want to operate a STR, property owners must follow the new licensing and distance regulations.

Licensing Requirements

• Get a city-issued Residential Landlord License and pay a $90 annual fee.
• Get a city-issued STR License and pay a $300 annual fee.

You can submit applications to the Community Development Department at City Hall. Contact the department at 913-322-5520 with any questions, including where existing licensed STR properties are located. 

If you’ve already applied, please make sure your application is complete, and that you’ve provided all required information before Oct. 1.

Learn more about STRs and the new requirements.