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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Powell County, KY

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals in Stanton are restricted to R-1 and R-2 zones and require a Conditional Use Permit reviewed annually. Operators must pay a business license fee, a 3% city transient room tax, and a 3% county transient room tax; properties are subject to inspections for compliance.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register with the Planning & Zoning Office and apply for a Conditional Use Permit through the Board of Adjustment. 2. Pay the annual business license fee ($300 for the first unit). 3. Consent to property inspections by the Zoning Administrator to ensure compliance.

Official Resources

Official Powell County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Powell County, KY?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Powell County, KY, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals in Stanton are restricted to R-1 and R-2 zones and require a Conditional Use Permit reviewed annually. Operators must pay a business license fee, a 3% city transient room tax, and a 3% county transient room tax; properties are subject to inspections for compliance. 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 Powell County, KY?
Short-term rentals in Stanton are restricted to R-1 and R-2 zones and require a Conditional Use Permit reviewed annually. Operators must pay a business license fee, a 3% city transient room tax, and a 3% county transient room tax; properties are subject to inspections for compliance.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Powell County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Powell County. 1. Register with the Planning & Zoning Office and apply for a Conditional Use Permit through the Board of Adjustment. 2. Pay the annual business license fee ($300 for the first unit). 3. Consent to property inspections by the Zoning Administrator to ensure compliance.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Powell County?
1. Register with the Planning & Zoning Office and apply for a Conditional Use Permit through the Board of Adjustment. 2. Pay the annual business license fee ($300 for the first unit). 3. Consent to property inspections by the Zoning Administrator to ensure compliance.
Is Vrbo legal in Powell County, KY?
Vrbo is permitted in Powell County, 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 Powell County?
Short-term rental hosts in Powell County 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 Powell County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Powell County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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