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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Bardstown, KY

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs in agricultural and residential districts require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Rentals are limited to 30 consecutive days with occupancy capped at twice the number of bedrooms; owners must physically reside on the property during rental periods for both Type 1 (principal dwelling) and Type 2 (accessory unit) rentals.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to the Board of Adjustment via the JCCPC. 2) Upon CUP approval, obtain a Zoning Compliance Permit for change of use. 3) Complete all required building, fire, and health inspections and obtain a local business license and transient room tax registration.

Official Resources

Official Bardstown STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Bardstown, KY?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Bardstown, KY, but with restrictions. STRs in agricultural and residential districts require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Rentals are limited to 30 consecutive days with occupancy capped at twice the number of bedrooms; owners must physically reside on the property during rental periods for both Type 1 (principal dwelling) and Type 2 (accessory unit) rentals. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Bardstown, KY?
STRs in agricultural and residential districts require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Rentals are limited to 30 consecutive days with occupancy capped at twice the number of bedrooms; owners must physically reside on the property during rental periods for both Type 1 (principal dwelling) and Type 2 (accessory unit) rentals.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Bardstown?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Bardstown. 1) Submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to the Board of Adjustment via the JCCPC. 2) Upon CUP approval, obtain a Zoning Compliance Permit for change of use. 3) Complete all required building, fire, and health inspections and obtain a local business license and transient room tax registration.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Bardstown?
1) Submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to the Board of Adjustment via the JCCPC. 2) Upon CUP approval, obtain a Zoning Compliance Permit for change of use. 3) Complete all required building, fire, and health inspections and obtain a local business license and transient room tax registration.
Is Vrbo legal in Bardstown, KY?
Vrbo is permitted in Bardstown, KY under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Bardstown?
Short-term rental hosts in Bardstown are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Bardstown?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Bardstown. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction