Lawrence considers requiring licenses, inspections for Airbnb, other short-term rentals

The City of Lawrence could soon begin regulating the fast-growing short-term rental business in Lawrence.

Following direction from city commissioners last year, city staff has drafted regulations that would allow short-term rentals in all residential areas, but would require them to be licensed, to be inspected annually, to be insured to a certain level and to follow occupancy limits and other restrictions. Permits for short-term rentals where the property owner resides elsewhere would be an option, but not guaranteed.

Current city code doesn’t allow short-term rentals, but that hasn’t stopped the practice from occurring in Lawrence. Figures show the number of such rentals has been growing quickly in Lawrence over the past few years.