Comparent
RestrictedCounty

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Jefferson County, KY

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as stays under 30 days. They are restricted by zoning; owner-occupied units may be allowed administratively in many residential zones, while non-owner-occupied units in residential/office-residential zones require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) with a 600-foot spacing requirement from other CUP-approved STRs. Hosts must provide an emergency contact within 25 miles and meet specific safety requirements including smoke/CO detectors and fire extinguishers.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register with the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission for a Tax Reporting Number. 2. If required by zoning, obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which involves a pre-application conference and neighborhood meeting. 3. Submit the STR Annual Registration form to the Office of Planning with a $250 fee; registrations must be renewed annually.

Official Resources

Official Jefferson County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Jefferson County, KY?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as stays under 30 days. They are restricted by zoning; owner-occupied units may be allowed administratively in many residential zones, while non-owner-occupied units in residential/office-residential zones require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) with a 600-foot spacing requirement from other CUP-approved STRs. Hosts must provide an emergency contact within 25 miles and meet specific safety requirements including smoke/CO detectors and fire extinguishers.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Jefferson County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Jefferson County. 1. Register with the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission for a Tax Reporting Number. 2. If required by zoning, obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which involves a pre-application conference and neighborhood meeting. 3. Submit the STR Annual Registration form to the Office of Planning with a $250 fee; registrations must be renewed annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Jefferson County?
1. Register with the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission for a Tax Reporting Number. 2. If required by zoning, obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which involves a pre-application conference and neighborhood meeting. 3. Submit the STR Annual Registration form to the Office of Planning with a $250 fee; registrations must be renewed annually.

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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction