If you look online, there are more than 300 Airbnb hosts in Kansas City, but renting your home or apartment is technically illegal.
The city is working on new regulations, but they’re not sitting well with everyone.
Lance Pierce has been a host for six years. He rents out several of his properties to guests on a regular basis.
“We haven't had issues with Airbnbs,” Pierce said. “Airbnb is kept at a higher standard than regular 12-month rentals."
Pierce doesn’t think the city’s proposed short-term rental ordinance is fair.
“I think the current ordinance is really erroneous in the fact that it regulates something that doesn't need that regulation," he said.
Pierce has collaborated with city leaders for two years to craft the policy, but said none of his feedback was used in the final draft.
The proposal would require hosts to pay a $100 permit fee the first year, get a business license with the city and notify their neighbors that they are Airbnb hosts.
Kate Garman, the Innovation Policy Advisor for Kansas City, wrote the ordinance. She said it is modeled after Chicago and Portland.
“There was a report last year that activity went up by 129 percent in KC alone, so we're anxious to get some regulations on the board,” Garman explained.
Garman said the policy is progressive and protects both homeowners and guests. She believes that is part of the city’s duty.
“There are a lot of considerations. I think people are looking at it from the point of, we want to make sure there aren’t nuisances, but it’s also traffic and it’s also building code," Garman said.
Pierce worries the regulation will discourage hosts and shut down business.
For him, it accounts for about 20 percent of his income.
“The beauty of Airbnb is when a 65-year-old woman finds her house empty, she can say, you know what, I have that spare room. Why don't I put it up on Airbnb, snap some pics and put it up,” Pierce said.
The next public comment period on this proposal is June 6 at 9 a.m.
