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Smithville EDC weighs short‑term rentals, glamping and overlay zoning as alternatives to hotels
Summary
Committee discussed marketing short‑term rentals, potential tiny‑home or glamping approaches within the South Employment Overlay, Army Corps constraints at Smith Fork, and wayfinding/World Cup preparations to attract visitors.
Members of the Smithville Economic Development Committee spent substantial time on Aug. 28 discussing tourism infrastructure and land‑use options to capture visitor spending while acknowledging local constraints.
Committee members noted limited sewer and water infrastructure in some areas, which staff said is a principal barrier to traditional hotel development. As an alternative, members discussed promoting short‑term rentals (STRs) and developing tiny‑home or glamping opportunities, potentially using the South Employment Overlay District’s form‑based zoning to permit clusters of short‑term units.
Staff reported preliminary steps to market STRs: working with property managers to create a guest packet, placing links to the city website in booking reminders, and exploring aggregated Google map listings to direct visitors to local businesses. Members suggested partners include the Chamber and property managers who operate portfolios in the Kansas City region.
The committee also discussed the Army Corps of Engineers’ lease restrictions at Smith Fork campground. Staff said Corps lease terms limit non‑recreation structures and electricity at the site, so any upgrades such as concession stands or electrified glamping would require Corps approval and must be tied to recreational use under the lease terms.
Wayfinding and World Cup planning were raised as complementary actions: staff said the city has FY25 budget funds for wayfinding and expects a grant decision by winter; committee members discussed coordinating event calendars regionally to avoid duplicate events during the 2026 World Cup and to provide guidance to local businesses on FIFA licensing for public screenings and merchandise.
The committee directed staff to continue outreach with property managers, pursue marketing materials for STR guests, and monitor the South Employment Overlay and Army Corps discussions to identify feasible sites for glamping or tiny‑home pilots. No formal zoning changes or approvals were taken at the meeting.
Next steps: staff to follow up on STR marketing packets, report back on grant outcomes for wayfinding, and continue engagement on the South Overlay process.
