Kentucky Short-Term Rental Regulations by City

Bardstown requires 'Tourist Homes' (STRs) to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the Joint Planning Commission in most residential zones, followed by an annual City Occupational License. Hosts are responsible for a total transient tax rate of 10%, which includes state and local city/tourism taxes.

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government requires all short-term rentals to be licensed and inspected as of July 2023. Hosts must pay a total local transient tax of 8.5% and comply with strict occupancy limits based on bedroom count.

Frankfort requires annual registration by May 1, a $250 regulatory fee, and enforces density caps and conditional use permits for non-owner occupied units in specific districts.

Louisville Metro requires all short-term rentals to register annually and pay a $100 fee. While primary residence rentals are generally permitted by right, non-primary residence rentals in residential zones often require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).