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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Nelson County, KY

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are treated as short-term rentals and B&Bs; they are allowed with restrictions—require Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in agricultural and residential zoning districts; Type 1 (owner-occupied principal residence) and Type 2 (non-owner-occupied in approved detached accessory unit where owner lives on property) definitions apply; maximum stay 30 consecutive days; maximum occupancy = 2x number of bedrooms rented; off-street parking required; responsible local contact required for some types; must comply with building, fire, and health codes and pay transient room tax.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) through the Joint City-County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment for properties in agricultural/residential districts; 2) If CUP approved, obtain Zoning Compliance Permit/change-of-use and any required building, fire, or health permits/inspections and business/occupational license; 3) Pay applicable transient room tax and comply with posted responsible-party contact requirements.

Official Resources

Official Nelson County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Nelson County, KY?
STRs are treated as short-term rentals and B&Bs; they are allowed with restrictions—require Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in agricultural and residential zoning districts; Type 1 (owner-occupied principal residence) and Type 2 (non-owner-occupied in approved detached accessory unit where owner lives on property) definitions apply; maximum stay 30 consecutive days; maximum occupancy = 2x number of bedrooms rented; off-street parking required; responsible local contact required for some types; must comply with building, fire, and health codes and pay transient room tax.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Nelson County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Nelson County. 1) Apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) through the Joint City-County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment for properties in agricultural/residential districts; 2) If CUP approved, obtain Zoning Compliance Permit/change-of-use and any required building, fire, or health permits/inspections and business/occupational license; 3) Pay applicable transient room tax and comply with posted responsible-party contact requirements.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Nelson County?
1) Apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) through the Joint City-County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment for properties in agricultural/residential districts; 2) If CUP approved, obtain Zoning Compliance Permit/change-of-use and any required building, fire, or health permits/inspections and business/occupational license; 3) Pay applicable transient room tax and comply with posted responsible-party contact requirements.

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