| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes |
| Tax Rate | 3% local hotel/transient room tax; Kentucky state 6% sales/use tax also applies |
| Permit Fee | $45.00 Short-Term Rental Permit fee (Building Division application) |
| Penalties | Not publicly specified; non-compliant operators subject to code enforcement |
| Occupancy Limit | Based on number of guest rooms and total guest count (declared on permit application) |
Short-term rentals in Bowling Green, Kentucky are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are $45.00 Short-Term Rental Permit fee (Building Division application).
Short-term rental operators in Bowling Green should be aware of these tax obligations: 3% local hotel/transient room tax; Kentucky state 6% sales/use tax also applies.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Bowling Green include: Occupancy limit: Based on number of guest rooms and total guest count (declared on permit application).
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Bowling Green: Short-term rentals are prohibited in single-family residential zones (RS). Permitted in other districts; B&Bs allowed in RS zones with special conditional use permit. Properties near Western Kentucky . Density rules: City has established caps on total STR permits available in specific residential zones.
Hosts who fail to comply with Bowling Green's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Not publicly specified; non-compliant operators subject to code enforcement.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Bowling Green: Operators should confirm whether booking platforms collect and remit applicable taxes on their behalf.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Bowling Green but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Permit application submitted to Building Division (707 E. Main Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101). Applicant must provide: permit location, project description, sq footage, number of guest rooms, total gue
Yes. Bowling Green requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.
Short-term rental hosts in Bowling Green are subject to the following tax obligations: 3% local hotel/transient room tax; Kentucky state 6% sales/use tax also applies.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Bowling Green may face enforcement. Not publicly specified; non-compliant operators subject to code enforcement.
Bowling Green prohibits STRs in single-family residential (RS) zones outright. A city Short-Term Rental Permit ($45) is required from the Building Division for permitted zones. Local hotel/transient room tax of 3% applies. State sales tax of 6% also applies.
LawfulStay tracks STR regulations across 1,026+ cities & countries on 6 continents, updated daily.
View in Full Database →