Miami County planning staff presented a draft ordinance Oct. 7 that would add rules for short-term rentals (STRs) and revise bed-and-breakfast (B&B) standards. The Planning Commission discussed the draft at length but took no final action; staff will publish a public hearing and return the item next month for formal consideration.

Staff said the draft aims to treat STRs and B&Bs consistently where possible while preserving key differences. Among proposals discussed:

- Allow STRs and B&Bs as permitted uses in residential zoning districts if they meet Article 14 conditions; retain B&Bs as a conditional use in certain commercial districts.
- Limit short-term- rental occupancy to the building's safe occupancy (staff cited a commonly used building-code ceiling of 10 occupants for structures in the R-3 occupancy class) and tie allowable overnight guests to bedroom count (for example, two persons per bedroom up to the 10-occupant maximum), while also proposing a daytime-guest cap in draft language.
- Require initial safety inspections (smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, GFCI outlets, egress from designated bedrooms, guards for stairs, basic septic/wastewater check) before a registration is issued, then periodic re-inspections (staff suggested a five-year interval for routine follow-up). Code Services would perform inspections to a concise checklist staff will develop.
- Implement a registration and fee structure: an initial registration fee ($100 in the draft discussion) and an annual renewal fee ($50) plus a one-time inspection charge; applicants must show proof of Kansas Department of Revenue registration and transient-guest tax compliance where applicable.
- Prohibit use of sheds or nonresidential structures as sleeping units and limit use of RVs/yurts unless they meet campground or commercial campground rules; allow manufactured homes converted to real property (permanent foundation) to qualify.
- Require a good-neighbor packet for guests (site map with property lines, parking instructions, trash pickup, emergency contact and noise/animal/neighbor guidance); require owners to post a local contact and display the county registration number on listings.
- Prohibit events that exceed occupancy limits without a separate special-event permit; special-event permits (usually limited in frequency) or a CUP for an event venue would be required for repeat large gatherings.

Commissioners raised concerns about enforcement, liability and the effect on housing stock (manufactured homes), and asked staff to tighten language in several places. Several commissioners said they prefer a light-touch approach that protects neighbors from large parties and nuisance impacts while avoiding onerous annual inspections; others supported initial inspections and a clear, enforceable checklist so owners know compliance expectations. Several members emphasized that homeowners' associations or private covenants can impose additional restrictions and that county approval would not override private HOA rules.

Staff and commissioners agreed to schedule a public hearing next month. Commissioners asked staff to circulate a revised draft with a clear inspection checklist and clarified language on daytime guests, events and manufactured-home eligibility before that hearing.