| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — Annual STR Registration |
| Tax Rate | 8.5% transient room tax plus Metro Revenue Commission occupational license tax |
| Permit Fee | $250 annual registration fee |
| Penalties | Fines up to $1,000 for unregistered listings |
| Primary Residence Required | Yes (in most residential zones; must reside 6+ months/year) |
| Occupancy Limit | Based on size; maximum 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests |
Short-term rentals in Louisville, 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 — Annual STR Registration. The associated permit fees are $250 annual registration fee.
Short-term rental operators in Louisville should be aware of these tax obligations: 8.5% transient room tax plus Metro Revenue Commission occupational license tax.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Louisville include: Primary residence requirement: Yes (in most residential zones; must reside 6+ months/year). Occupancy limit: Based on size; maximum 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Louisville: Allowed in primary residences. Non-primary rentals require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and must comply with density spacing rules.. Density rules: Non-owner occupied STRs must be located at least 600 feet away from other CUP-approved STRs. Insurance: Recommended.
Hosts who fail to comply with Louisville's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines up to $1,000 for unregistered listings.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Louisville: Yes (LMRC tax agreement for automated collection).
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Louisville but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. All hosts must secure a tax ID from the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission and register annually with Planning & Design Services. Non-primary properties face a lengthy CUP process.
Yes. Louisville requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — Annual STR Registration.
Short-term rental hosts in Louisville are subject to the following tax obligations: 8.5% transient room tax plus Metro Revenue Commission occupational license tax.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Louisville may face enforcement. Fines up to $1,000 for unregistered listings.
Primary residence default; non-primary requires CUP and 600-foot density spacing rule.
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