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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Louisville, KY

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are permitted in many residential and commercial districts but are regulated by zone and host residency: owner-occupied (primary residence) STRs in many residential zones may be permitted administratively with annual registration, while non-owner-occupied STRs and STRs in certain neighborhoods (e.g., Old Louisville, Limerick) require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) plus annual registration. Hosts must meet safety (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher), parking, condominium-association approval (for condo units), and separation/operational standards; maximum stay is limited to less than 30 days.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Determine eligibility and zoning/CUP requirement using the LOJIC interactive map and Land Development Code; 2) If a CUP is required, file a Conditional Use Permit application for BOZA (public hearing) satisfying separation and special standards; otherwise submit an annual registration to the Department of Planning per the Director’s prescribed procedure (registration form must include host and emergency contact info and an accompanying nonrefundable fee); 3) Register with Louisville Metro Revenue Commission for transient room and occupational taxes, maintain safety equipment and posted host contact information, and renew registration annually.

Regulatory Updates — Louisville

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2024

STR Zone and Residency Framework Reviewed

Louisville Metro Government completed a review of its STR zone and host residency framework, affirming the distinction between administrative approval for primary residence owners and conditional use review for non-primary properties.

PassedJune 2024

Non-Primary STR Conditional Use Permit Process Updated

Louisville updated its conditional use permit process for non-primary STRs, adding a community notification step and extending the review timeline for properties in residential zones with existing STR density concerns.

PassedJanuary 2025

Annual Compliance Inspection Requirement Added

Louisville added an annual compliance inspection requirement for all permitted STRs, covering fire safety equipment, egress, and zoning compliance, with permit renewal contingent on passing inspection.

Official Resources

Official Louisville STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in Louisville and Kentucky markets.

Kentucky Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate organization monitoring Louisville's STR zone and residency framework and advocating for reasonable permit standards for Kentucky property owners.

Louisville TourismLocal

Louisville's destination marketing organization tracking STR accommodation supply and its role in supporting visitor capacity during Derby season, conventions, and year-round tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Louisville, KY?
STRs are permitted in many residential and commercial districts but are regulated by zone and host residency: owner-occupied (primary residence) STRs in many residential zones may be permitted administratively with annual registration, while non-owner-occupied STRs and STRs in certain neighborhoods (e.g., Old Louisville, Limerick) require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) plus annual registration. Hosts must meet safety (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher), parking, condominium-association approval (for condo units), and separation/operational standards; maximum stay is limited to less than 30 days.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Louisville?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Louisville. 1) Determine eligibility and zoning/CUP requirement using the LOJIC interactive map and Land Development Code; 2) If a CUP is required, file a Conditional Use Permit application for BOZA (public hearing) satisfying separation and special standards; otherwise submit an annual registration to the Department of Planning per the Director’s prescribed procedure (registration form must include host and emergency contact info and an accompanying nonrefundable fee); 3) Register with Louisville Metro Revenue Commission for transient room and occupational taxes, maintain safety equipment and posted host contact information, and renew registration annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Louisville?
1) Determine eligibility and zoning/CUP requirement using the LOJIC interactive map and Land Development Code; 2) If a CUP is required, file a Conditional Use Permit application for BOZA (public hearing) satisfying separation and special standards; otherwise submit an annual registration to the Department of Planning per the Director’s prescribed procedure (registration form must include host and emergency contact info and an accompanying nonrefundable fee); 3) Register with Louisville Metro Revenue Commission for transient room and occupational taxes, maintain safety equipment and posted host contact information, and renew registration annually.
Can I operate an STR in my Louisville primary residence without going through a lengthy approval process?
Likely yes. Owner-occupied primary residences in many residential zones qualify for administrative approval — a faster, simpler pathway than the conditional use permit process. Confirm your zone's eligibility for administrative approval before applying.
What if I want to operate a Louisville STR in an investment property I don't live in?
Non-primary and non-owner-occupied STRs face a conditional use permit process, which includes community notification, an extended review timeline, and potential conditions on operation. Approval is not guaranteed and neighbors may contest the application.
Is there an annual inspection for Louisville STRs?
Yes. Louisville added an annual compliance inspection covering fire safety equipment, emergency egress, and zoning compliance. Your permit renewal is contingent on passing this inspection. Schedule it early to avoid renewal delays.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction