Louisville, KY Building Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Registered short-term rentals only
- Standard
- Kentucky Residential Code placement
- Also required
- Smoke alarm, fire extinguisher
- Enforcement
- Registration revocation, § 115.999(N)
Summary
Louisville Metro requires every registered short-term rental to have a functional carbon monoxide detector installed before the host can obtain or renew an annual STR registration.
(A) The short term rental meets the smoke alarm requirements set forth in LMCO § 94.02; has at least one functional carbon monoxide detector installed in an appropriate location as set forth in Kentucky Residential Code; has at least one properly maintained and charged fire extinguisher on each habitable floor... and that a clearly marked evacuation plan is posted on the premises;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under LMCO § 115.520(A), a short-term rental Host must ensure the unit has at least one functional carbon monoxide detector installed in an appropriate location per the Kentucky Residential Code, alongside required smoke alarms (LMCO § 94.02), a charged fire extinguisher on each habitable floor, and rescue openings in sleeping rooms. This duty attaches to STR registration under Chapter 115 and applies within Louisville Metro's jurisdiction; it is not a general citywide mandate for owner-occupied or long-term rental housing, and home rule cities inside Jefferson County (e.g., Anchorage, St. Matthews) may license STRs separately.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance is enforceable under LMCO § 115.999(N) and can lead to registration denial or revocation under § 115.516(E); a Host with a revoked registration is barred from new registrations for one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisville require CO detectors in all homes?
What placement standard applies to the detector?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
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