Lexington-Fayette does not restrict short-term rentals to a host's primary residence; investors may register multiple properties under Chapter 17.4 as long as each unit independently meets registration and zoning standards.
Some peer cities cap each operator at one primary-residence STR to curb housing-stock loss, but LFUCG opted not to in its 2018 ordinance and subsequent updates. KRS §82.085 partially preempts blanket STR bans, and Lexington's Comprehensive Plan emphasizes housing supply rather than restricting rental form. Each unit still needs its own Ch. 17.4 registration, must satisfy parking and occupancy rules, and must collect the 8.5% transient-room tax. Council has periodically discussed whether a primary-residence cap is warranted as inventory grows around UK and Keeneland.
Operating an unregistered second or third STR triggers daily civil penalties up to $500 per unit and a stop-rental order from LFUCG Code Enforcement until each property is brought into compliance.
Lexington, KY
LFUCG Code Chapter 17.4 governs short-term rentals across Lexington-Fayette but does not impose a host-presence requirement; both hosted and unhosted whole-h...
Lexington, KY
Lexington-Fayette treats extended home-share stays beyond 30 days as long-term tenancies under Kentucky URLTA-aligned rules rather than Chapter 17.4 short-te...
See how Lexington's primary-residence-only rule rules stack up against other locations.
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