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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kenton County, KY

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

County and municipal rules restrict STRs: Covington adopts Chapter 127 requiring licensed short-term rentals with ownership, density, hosting-agent, operating, inspection, and renewal requirements; unincorporated Kenton County zoning language permits STRs in the primary structure and one accessory dwelling unit with owner-occupied (host) conditions. Key constraints include licensing, inspections prior to issuance and at renewal, ownership/density limits, and required local agent/24-hour contact.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a short-term rental license/registration application to the city’s Code Enforcement/Business Licensing division (Covington’s Chapter 127 specifies application contents and licensing). 2) Undergo inspection by the Chief Building Inspector prior to issuance and pay applicable license fees; 3) Renew the short-term rental license annually (renewal deadline referenced in regional guidance).

Official Resources

Official Kenton County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Kenton County, KY?
County and municipal rules restrict STRs: Covington adopts Chapter 127 requiring licensed short-term rentals with ownership, density, hosting-agent, operating, inspection, and renewal requirements; unincorporated Kenton County zoning language permits STRs in the primary structure and one accessory dwelling unit with owner-occupied (host) conditions. Key constraints include licensing, inspections prior to issuance and at renewal, ownership/density limits, and required local agent/24-hour contact.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Kenton County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kenton County. 1) Submit a short-term rental license/registration application to the city’s Code Enforcement/Business Licensing division (Covington’s Chapter 127 specifies application contents and licensing). 2) Undergo inspection by the Chief Building Inspector prior to issuance and pay applicable license fees; 3) Renew the short-term rental license annually (renewal deadline referenced in regional guidance).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Kenton County?
1) Submit a short-term rental license/registration application to the city’s Code Enforcement/Business Licensing division (Covington’s Chapter 127 specifies application contents and licensing). 2) Undergo inspection by the Chief Building Inspector prior to issuance and pay applicable license fees; 3) Renew the short-term rental license annually (renewal deadline referenced in regional guidance).

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