Georgetown, KY Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Short-term rentals are governed by Article IV of Chapter 24, Sections 24-60 through 24-69. Section 24-60 defines a short-term rental as a dwelling or dwelling unit rented, leased or otherwise assigned for a tenancy of less than 30 consecutive days where no meals are served. Each separate unit in a structure counts as its own short-term rental, and the term excludes hotel or motel rooms, extended stay lodging, bed and breakfast inns and boarding and lodging house rooms.

Section 24-61 requires annual registration with the Georgetown-Scott County Revenue Commission, called the GSCRC. Under Section 24-62(a), the registration is made under a procedure set by the director, who is the Director of the GSCRC. The form must include, at a minimum, the name, address, phone number and email address of the host and of an emergency contact located in Georgetown or within 25 miles of the rental; proof of registration and good standing with the GSCRC; the location of the rental; and proof of zoning compliance, including a conditional use permit where required.

Section 24-62(b) sets a nonrefundable $25.00 fee, and Section 24-62(c) says a registration expires one year from issuance and must be renewed annually. Under Section 24-62(d), a change in host or ownership invalidates the existing registration and the new host or owner must apply in his, her or its own name.

The director holds real leverage over issuance. Section 24-61 lets the director refuse to issue or renew a registration until outstanding penalties under Sections 24-60 through 24-67 are paid, until fines and liens assessed by the city, the GSCRC or the Georgetown-Scott County Tourism Commission against the property are paid, or for a host's failure to comply with the article. Section 24-66(5) requires any host advertising on a hosting platform to include the valid GSCRC registration number in the advertisement. Section 24-68 gave all parties 90 days from passage and publication to comply.