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Ashland

Kentucky · United States
Active
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Ashland Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax RateKentucky state sales/use tax 6%; local transient room tax may apply — confirm with Boyd County and City Finance
Permit FeeRental Registration required (2021 ordinance); specific STR license fee amount not publicly itemized on official site — contact City Finance Dept. Fin
Penalties$100 per day per unregistered/non-compliant unit; Code Enforcement Board enforces violations
Occupancy Limit2 guests per bedroom + 1 additional guest
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Ashland Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Ashland Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Ashland, Kentucky are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are Rental Registration required (2021 ordinance); specific STR license fee amount not publicly itemized.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Ashland

Short-term rental operators in Ashland should be aware of these tax obligations: Kentucky state sales/use tax 6%; local transient room tax may apply — confirm with Boyd County and City Finance.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Ashland

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Ashland include: Occupancy limit: 2 guests per bedroom + 1 additional guest.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Ashland

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Ashland: Must comply with City of Ashland Zoning Ordinance (adopted June 2024). Properties in residential areas must have on-site parking for guests. STR must be within applicable zoning district.. Density rules: Not specified in publicly available ordinances.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Ashland

Hosts who fail to comply with Ashland's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. $100 per day per unregistered/non-compliant unit; Code Enforcement Board enforces violations.

Platform Obligations in Ashland

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Ashland: Not specified in current ordinances.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
Rental Registration required (2021 ordinance); specific STR license fee amount not publicly itemized on official site — contact City Finance Dept. Fines of $100/day for unregistered units.
Occupancy Limit
2 guests per bedroom + 1 additional guest
Tax Rate
Kentucky state sales/use tax 6%; local transient room tax may apply — confirm with Boyd County and City Finance
Zoning Restrictions
Must comply with City of Ashland Zoning Ordinance (adopted June 2024). Properties in residential areas must have on-site parking for guests. STR must be within applicable zoning district.
Density Rules
Not specified in publicly available ordinances
Platform Obligations
Not specified in current ordinances
Compliance Notes
City passed a dedicated STR licensing ordinance (ca. 2025). Separate 2021 Rental Registration Ordinance applies to all rental units. Owner/manager must remain within 30 miles of the property at all times. Properties must meet zoning and parking requirements.
Effective Date
2021 (Rental Registration Ordinance); STR licensing ordinance ca. 2025
Key Notes
The City of Ashland enacted a standalone STR ordinance requiring a city-issued license, occupancy limits (2/bedroom + 1), on-site parking in residential zones, and a 30-mile proximity requirement for owner/manager. Fines of $100/day apply for unregistered units.
Penalties
$100 per day per unregistered/non-compliant unit; Code Enforcement Board enforces violations
Additional Context
Ashland, KY (Boyd County) is part of the Huntington-Ashland-Ironton metro area. The ordinance was motivated partly by housing-stock concerns tied to a growing unhoused population. Full municipal code available at amlegal.com (see source).
Sources
City of Ashland – Rental Registration Ordinance: https://www.ashlandky.gov/news_detail_T70_R69.php | City of Ashland Code of Ordinances: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ashlandky/latest/overview | City of Ashland Planning & Zoning: https://www.ashlandky.gov/departments/community___economic_development/planning___zoning/index.php | Business Licenses: https://www.ashlandky.gov/departments/finance/business_licenses/index.php
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Ashland?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Ashland with proper registration and permits. City passed a dedicated STR licensing ordinance (ca. 2025). Separate 2021 Rental Registration Ordinance applies to all rental units. Owner/manager must remain within 30 miles of the property at all ti

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Ashland?

Yes. Ashland requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Ashland?

Short-term rental hosts in Ashland are subject to the following tax obligations: Kentucky state sales/use tax 6%; local transient room tax may apply — confirm with Boyd County and City Finance.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Ashland?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Ashland may face enforcement. $100 per day per unregistered/non-compliant unit; Code Enforcement Board enforces violations.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Ashland?

The City of Ashland enacted a standalone STR ordinance requiring a city-issued license, occupancy limits (2/bedroom + 1), on-site parking in residential zones, and a 30-mile proximity requirement for owner/manager. Fines of $100/day apply for unregistered units.

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