Louisville Metro requires every short-term rental to register under LMCO Chapter 115 before being listed or advertised. Registration includes proof of insurance, a local contact, zoning verification, occupancy tax setup, and a registration fee paid to Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations.
Registration is administered by Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations (or its successor department) and requires: a completed application, proof of property ownership or written owner consent, liability insurance certificate meeting the minimum limit, a 24/7 local contact name and phone number, a site plan or bedroom layout showing maximum occupancy, and zoning confirmation. Conditional use permits (CUPs) are required for certain non-host-occupied whole-home STRs in single-family residential zones, which involves a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Adjustment. Registration numbers must be included in all advertisements and listings; platforms periodically audit for compliance. STR operators must also register for Kentucky sales tax, Louisville Metro transient room tax, and remit taxes monthly or quarterly. Renewal is typically annual, and lapses in registration prohibit rental activity. Operating without registration can result in fines per violation and back-tax liability. Louisville takes enforcement seriously because of housing availability concerns, and unregistered listings are routinely identified through platform scraping.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Louisville code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
See how Louisville's registration rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.