Overview

Short-term rentals ARE permitted in Brandenburg, KY, but with significant restrictions depending on the property type and zoning district. The city's zoning ordinance allows two primary pathways for STR operations:

1. Bed & Breakfast operations in residential zones (R-1, R-2) as conditional uses
2. Commercial STR operations in commercial zones (C-1, C-2) under hotel/motel classifications
3. Home occupation STRs in residential zones with severe operational limitations

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Brandenburg

Step 1: Determine Your Property's Zoning Classification

• R-1 (Single-Family Residential): Bed & breakfast operations permitted as conditional uses
• R-2 (Two-Family Residential): Bed & breakfast operations permitted as conditional uses
• C-1 (Central Commercial): Hotel/motel operations permitted
• C-2 (Highway Commercial): Hotel/motel operations permitted
• R-3 (Multi-Family): No specific STR provisions identified

Step 2: Apply for Appropriate Permits

1. Building Permit (required for all STR operations)
2. Home Occupation Permit (for residential-based operations)
3. Conditional Use Permit (for bed & breakfast operations in residential zones)
4. Business License (if required by city ordinances)

Step 3: Secure Zoning Compliance

• Submit development plans for commercial STR operations
• Obtain Board of Adjustment approval for conditional uses
• Ensure compliance with dimensional requirements for your zone

Step 4: Meet All Operational Requirements

• Install required off-street parking
• Comply with signage restrictions
• Meet fire and safety codes
• Obtain health department approvals if required

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Permits and Licenses:

1. Building Permit

   • Valid for 1 year from approval/issuance
   • Required for construction, alteration, or relocation of STR buildings

2. Home Occupation Permit (for residential STRs)

   • Issued by Administrative Official
   • Must comply with Section 8.4 home occupation standards

3. Conditional Use Permit (for bed & breakfast operations)

   • Issued by Board of Adjustment
   • Requires public hearing and notification to adjoining property owners

4. Business License

   • Required if mandated by other city ordinances
   • Must be obtained before operation begins

5. Commercial Development Plan (for C-1/C-2 zones)

   • Required for all commercial developments
   • Must include detailed site plans, landscaping, parking, and compliance narratives

Required Documentation:

• Site plans showing compliance with setback requirements
• Proof of zoning compliance
• Parking arrangements meeting specified ratios
• Fire safety and building code compliance certificates
• Health department approvals (if applicable)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Residential Zone STR Operations (R-1, R-2)

Bed & Breakfast Operations:

Permitted in R-1 and R-2 zones as conditional uses, subject to Board of Adjustment approval.

Home Occupation STR Limitations (Section 8.4):

• Maximum area: 25% of gross floor area or 300 square feet (whichever is less)
• Customer limits: Maximum 10 customers/clients per day
• Operating hours: Restricted to 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Delivery vehicles: Maximum 2 per day, no heavy commercial vehicles (>14,000 lbs GVW)
• Employee limits: Maximum 1 person (other than family members residing in dwelling)
• Location: Must be conducted within dwelling unit only
• Yard use: Any yard use must be incidental to dwelling use
• Alterations: Cannot change residential character of property
• Signage: No signs or advertising devices allowed
• Sales restrictions: Only products fabricated on premises may be sold
• Equipment: No equipment creating noise, vibration, glare, fumes, dust, odors beyond residential norms
• Storage: No outside storage of equipment or materials

Commercial Zone STR Operations (C-1, C-2)

Hotel/Motel Operations:

Permitted as-of-right in commercial zones, subject to standard commercial development requirements.

C-1 (Central Commercial) Requirements:

• Minimum lot area: 2,500 square feet
• Minimum lot width: 20 feet
• Front yard: No requirements (except where other ordinances apply)
• Side yards: No minimum requirements (5 feet if provided)
• Rear yard: 15-foot setback when abutting residential zones
• Maximum height: 45 feet (plus 25 feet for essential structures with approval)
• Parking: Off-street parking requirements waived in C-1 district
• Development plan: Required for projects over 10,000 square feet

C-2 (Highway Commercial) Requirements:

• Minimum lot area: 12,500 square feet (50% must remain as unobstructed open space)
• Minimum lot width: 100 feet
• Front setback: Minimum 50 feet from front lot line
• Side yards: 12-foot minimum (15 feet when abutting residential areas)
• Rear yard: 25 feet when abutting residential zones (15 feet when abutting alleys)
• Maximum height: 3.5 stories or 45 feet
• Parking: Subject to off-street parking requirements
• Development plan: Required for all commercial development
• Screening: Required buffer zones when adjacent to residential areas

Parking Requirements by Property Type:

Residential STRs:

• R-1: Minimum 1 off-street parking space
• R-2: 1 space per dwelling unit, plus 3 spaces total for two-family dwellings
• R-3: 1.5 spaces per dwelling unit

Commercial STRs:

• C-1: No parking requirements (except for granted variances)
• C-2: Subject to commercial parking ratios (varies by gross floor area)

Contact Information for Local Authority

Brandenburg Planning & Zoning Commission

• Administrative Official: Designated by Mayor
• Physical Address:
  • City of Brandenburg
  • P.O. Box 305
  • 737 High Street
  • Brandenburg, KY 40108

Board of Adjustment

• Function: Hears appeals and grants conditional use permits
• Meeting Schedule: Called by Chairman with 7-day notice minimum
• Quorum: Simple majority of total membership required
• Public Notice: Required per KRS Chapter 424

Key Regulatory Contacts:

• City Attorney: Legal representation for Commission enforcement
• Administrative Official: Issues building permits and home occupation permits
• County Clerk: Records nonconforming uses, variances, and conditional use permits

Note: Specific phone numbers and email addresses were not provided in the available documentation. Contact the Brandenburg City Hall at the physical address above for current contact information.

Links to Source Pages

Primary Source Document:

• Brandenburg Zoning Ordinance: brandenburg.ky.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/PZORD-2020-USE-pdf.pdf

Additional Notes:

• This ordinance was revised December 2021 and should be current as of that date
• Investors should verify any recent amendments or updates with local authorities
• Kentucky state-level regulations may apply in addition to local requirements
• Property owners should confirm current zoning classifications with the Planning Commission

Important Disclaimer: This guide is based on the 2020-2021 Brandenburg Zoning Ordinance. STR regulations are rapidly evolving, and investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions. Consulting with local legal counsel and the Brandenburg Planning & Zoning Commission is highly recommended before proceeding with any STR operation.