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Lawrence operates a tiered STR framework: Type A (Owner-Occupied) STRs are permitted by right in all residential zones with registration; Type B (Non-Owner-Occupied / Investor) STRs require a Special Use Permit (SUP) in single-family residential zones (RS-3, RS-5, RS-7, RS-10) and are subject to occupancy + density review. The University of Kansas football/basketball season drives concentrated STR demand cycles (KU home games + March Madness watch parties).
Type A (owner-occupied): all residential zones with registration. Type B (non-owner-occupied): SUP required in single-family residential (RS-3, RS-5, RS-7, RS-10); permitted in mixed-use (MU), commercial (CS, CD, CN), and certain multi-family zones (RM-12, RM-15, RM-24) with registration. Lawrence Planning & Development Services maintains an interactive zoning map — verify parcel zoning before any offer.
Operators must hold a short-term rental permit before listing. See the official permit portal.
Lawrence Planning & Development Services administers Type A registration and Type B SUP applications. Type B SUP applications require public hearing, neighbor notification, and Planning Commission review against neighborhood-impact criteria. Annual renewal. Operating without registration/SUP: $250+ per violation + back-tax assessment + Douglas County hotel-tax escalation.
Combined short-term lodging tax in Lawrence is approximately 15.550% of gross nightly revenue (state sales + state TRT + local TRT + applicable resort/city options).
Kansas State sales 6.5% + Douglas County 1.25% + Lawrence city sales 1.55% + Lawrence transient guest tax 6% — combined ~15.55% on transient lodging
Verify the current combined rate via the Utah State Tax Commission before remitting — rates drift quarterly.
STR regulations vary by jurisdiction. Compare Lawrence against nearby markets.