Short Term Rentals

Merriam is a welcoming, peaceful, tight-knit community that's small in size but big at heart. Our residents enjoy beautiful, tree-lined neighborhoods close to walking trails, parks, and public art. Year-round events and activities deliver plenty of fun things to see and do for kids and adults alike, and our convenient location makes it easy to get just about anywhere in the metro.

These are all reason people love to live in – and visit – Merriam. We hope your guests will embrace our community and be good neighbors during their stay.

A few of our City Codes are important to keep in mind to maintain good neighborhood relations. Those codes are summarized below; please refer to the Merriam's Code of Ordinances for more information.

Neighborly Information(PDF, 76KB)

Nuisances 

Section 44-301 - Prohibited noise

• It is unlawful for any person to produce unreasonable or exceptionally loud noise, or any noise that causes annoyance to others within the city.
• It is unlawful for any person to employ sound-producing or reproducing devices with the intent to disrupt the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighboring inhabitants.
• No person shall gather, partake in, or be present at any party or assembly of people from which sound emanates of a sufficient volume so as to disturb the peace, quiet or repose of persons residing in any residential area.

Parking

Section 74-535 - General Provisions 

• No vehicles can be parked on the grass. Vehicles can only be parked on a hard surface.

Trash Containers

Section 56-10 and 56-13. – Solid waste containers

• All waste containers must be leak proof with a tight-fitting lid. Plastic trash bags cannot be placed out for collection.
• Waste containers must be stored inside a structure or placed behind the front building line or screened from view from the public rights-of-way. 
• Containers can only be placed out for collection 18 hours before and 18 hours after collection time.

Short Term Rental Licensing

Section 14-206 - Landlords

• All Short-Term Rental operators must have a city issued Short-Term Rental License and Residential Landlord License. The city regularly performs exterior inspections and biennial interior inspections of licensed Short-Term Rentals.

Helpful Phone Numbers

Merriam Code Enforcement
913-322-5520

Merriam Police Department Non-Emergency Dispatch
913-782-0720

In case of emergency, call 9-1-1

Merriam Visitors Bureau
If you need copies of the Merriam Community & Visitor Guide for incoming guests, please email Karen Crane or call 913-322-5534.

What is a Short-Term Rental?

The leasing of a single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, or attached dwelling for not more than 28 consecutive days in which the property owner does not occupy the dwelling for the duration of the lease.

When are the new Short-Term Rental regulations effective? 

The regulations for Short-Term Rentals are effective May 21, 2024. 

What are the new Short-Term Rental regulations?  

To operate a Short-Term Rental (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.), the owner/operator of a Short-Term Rental must have two licenses issued by the City: a Residential Landlord License and a Short-Term Rental License.

What are the requirements to obtain a Short-Term Rental License?

• Have or obtain a Merriam Residential Landlord License. Be advised that obtaining a Residential Landlord License requires an interior inspection as described in Merriam Code Section 14-206.c.
• Provide property owners within 200 feet of the Short-Term Rental property with your contact information.
• Provide your guests and potential guests with “Neighborly Information.”

After October 1, 2024, the location of your proposed Short-Term Rental can’t be within 1,000 feet of a property with an existing Short-Term Rental.

How do I get a Short-Term Rental License? 

The first step is to complete the Short-Term Rental License application and submit it with the fee to the Community Development Department. Email Jason White for an application. An online option is coming soon.

What's the cost? 

The cost of obtaining a Short-Term Rental License includes a $90 Merriam Residential Landlord License fee and a $300 Short-Term Rental License fee. 

City of Merriam Schedule of Fees(PDF, 1MB)

Is there a map of existing Short-Term Rental properties?

A map will be available after October 1.

Is a Short-Term Rental that is licensed before October 1, 2024, subject to the 1,000-foot requirement?  

No. Short-Term Rentals licensed before October 1, 2024 are not subject to the 1,000 foot buffer requirement. However, if the property’s Short-Term Rental License lapses, is voided, or the property sold, the property will be subject to the 1,000 foot buffer requirement, which may prevent a new license from being issued for the property.

How can I get my Short-Term Rental License before October 1, 2024?  

You’ll need to apply for a Short-Term Rental License and, if you don’t already have one, a Residential Landlord License by September 2, 2024.The applications must be complete and include the required licensing fees.

Are Short-Term Rental Licenses transferable? 

Short-Term Rental Licenses are non-transferable. If a property with an approved license is sold, the license becomes void. The new property owner may apply for a new license, subject to meeting the Short-Term Rental regulations.

Do I need to renew both my Merriam Residential Landlord License and Short-Term Rental License? 

Yes, both licenses must be renewed annually. A renewal notice will be sent to the designated point of contact.

Does a Short-Term Rental License expire? 

Short-Term Rental Licenses expire at the end of the calendar year and must be renewed by January 1. If a Short-Term Rental License expires, it can’t be renewed and a new license will have to be issued. The issuance of the new license will be subject to all Short-Term Rental Licensing requirements, including not being within 1,000 feet of an existing, licensed Short-Term Rental.

Can a Short-Term Rental License be revoked? 

Yes, any city issued occupational license, including a Short-Term Rental License, can be revoked by a majority vote of the Merriam City Council.

What penalties are enforced for unlicensed Short-Term Rental properties?

Operating without a license is a violation of Merriam Code, which can result in a court summons and fines.

I want to rent my property for more than 28 days. What do I need to do?

Property owners are required to have a Merriam Residential Landlord License. Obtaining a Residential Landlord License requires an interior inspection as described in Merriam Code Section 14-206.c.

Residential Landlord License Application(PDF, 54KB)

Inspection Information for Landlords(PDF, 59KB)