Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Burlington, Kentucky

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Burlington, KY?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Burlington, Kentucky. Burlington operates under Boone County's jurisdiction as an unincorporated area, and Boone County has established comprehensive regulations permitting short-term rentals. The county defines a short-term rental as "a dwelling unit that is rented, leased or otherwise assigned for a tenancy of less than 30 consecutive days." STRs are allowed either as principally permitted uses or conditional uses depending on the specific zoning district, subject to obtaining the required permits and meeting all regulatory requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Burlington, KY

Starting an STR business in Burlington requires following a systematic process through Boone County's administrative framework:

Step 1: Zoning Compliance Verification

First, determine your property's zoning designation and whether STRs are allowed as a principally permitted use or require conditional use approval. Contact the Boone County Planning Commission to verify your property's zoning status.

Step 2: Permit Application Process

Submit your Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) Permit Application to either the Boone County Fiscal Clerk or the Boone County Occupational License Department. Applications are processed in the order they are received.

Step 3: Conditional Use Approval (If Required)

If your zoning district requires conditional use approval, you must obtain a Conditional Use Permit from the Boone County Board of Adjustments. Your application will be held for 90 calendar days while this process is completed.

Step 4: Occupational Licensing

Obtain a Boone County Occupational License, which is required before your STR permit can be issued.

Step 5: Final STR Permit Issuance

Once all requirements are met, the Boone County Fiscal Court Clerk will issue your STR Permit. Permits must be renewed annually by January 1st.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Permits and Licenses:

1. Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) Permit - Issued by Boone County Fiscal Court Clerk
2. Conditional Use Permit - Required for certain zoning districts, issued by Boone County Board of Adjustments
3. Zoning Permit - Required from Boone County Planning Commission
4. Boone County Occupational License - Required business license

Required Documents and Submissions:

• Completed STR Permit Application
• Application fee: $300 for new permits, $200 for renewals
• Self-Safety Inspection Form
• Certificate of Liability Insurance with minimum $1,000,000 coverage
• Site Plan/Survey showing maximum legal parking capacity
• Sketch floor plan with dimensioned room layout
• Information brochure for guests
• Statement attesting compliance with International Building Code with Kentucky Amendments and NFPA 1124

Information Brochage Requirements:

Your guest information brochure must include:

• Owner's 24-hour contact information and/or local responsible party's 24-hour contact information
• Neighborhood information including parking restrictions, noise rules, and trash collection schedules
• Emergency contact information (police, fire, emergency medical services)
• Severe weather and disaster alert information
• Pet policy

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning Districts - Principally Permitted Uses:

In these districts, STRs may operate once the STR Permit is obtained with no additional zoning approval:

• Agriculture (A-1)
• Recreation (R)
• Employment Planned Development District (EPD)
• Residential Planned Development District (RPD)
• Small Community Overlay District (SC)

Zoning Districts - Conditional Uses:

In these districts, conditional use approval from the Board of Adjustments is required before STR operation:

• Agricultural Estate (A-2)
• Conservation (CONS)
• Rural Suburban Estates (RSE)
• Rural Suburban (RS)
• Suburban Residential One (SR-1)
• Suburban Residential Two (SR-2)
• Suburban Residential Three (SR-3)
• Urban Residential One (UR-1)
• Urban Residential Two (UR-2)
• Urban Residential Three (UR-3)
• Union Commercial (UC)

Operational Requirements:

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum of 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 additional adults maximum
• Overall maximum occupancy of 10 persons (adults and children combined)
• Bedrooms under 120 square feet limited to only one adult occupant

Safety Requirements:

• Working smoke detectors in accordance with adopted codes
• At least one working carbon monoxide detector and alarm
• One working fire extinguisher on premises
• Compliance with all applicable county ordinances

Parking Requirements:

• Minimum of one off-street parking space per guest room or suite
• All parking must be on paved surfaces
• Cannot encroach on streets, sidewalks, alleys, or public rights-of-way
• Must comply with all applicable zoning regulations

Distance Requirements:

• No STR property may be located within 1,000 feet (measured in straight line) of another approved STR property

Emergency Contact:

• Must designate an emergency contact who can respond within one hour of service call
• Contact cannot be the property owner

Advertising and Signage:

• No external on-site or off-site advertising signs or displays indicating STR use
• All advertisements and rental contracts must specify maximum occupancy and vehicle limits
• Must include written prohibition against non-guest activities in advertisements

Property Restrictions:

• STRs must be primary dwelling units only
• Recreational vehicles, tents, garages, boats, and similar non-primary structures are prohibited

Tax Requirements:

• Must pay required hotel occupancy taxes
• Failure to pay taxes constitutes a violation

Violations and Penalties:

Unlawful Activities:

• Operating without proper STR Permit and Occupational License
• Advertising without permits
• Operating non-compliant STRs
• Operating without paying required hotel occupancy taxes
• Failing to prohibit non-guest activities in advertisements

Civil Fines:

• First violation: $200 per instance
• Subsequent violations within 365 days: $500 per instance

Contact Information

Primary Administrative Contacts:

Boone County Occupational License Department

• Address: 2950 Washington Street, Box 960, Burlington, KY 41005
• Phone: (859) 334-2100
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Boone County Fiscal Court Clerk

• Phone: (859) 334-2100
• Address: 2950 Washington Street, Burlington, KY 41005

Boone County Planning Commission

• Website: bcpcky.org/
• Phone: (859) 334-2100

Boone County Board of Adjustments

• Contact through Planning Commission: (859) 334-2100

Additional Resources:

• General County Information: (859) 334-2100
• Zoning Questions: Contact Planning Commission
• Building Safety Codes: Contact Building Department

Source Links

1. Boone County STR Regulations Main Page: www.boonecountyky.org/government/short-term_rental_units/index.php
2. STR Permit Application Form: www.boonecountyky.org/document_center/GovernmentAdministration/STRU%20Application.pdf
3. Boone County Zoning Regulations: online.encodeplus.com/regs/boonecounty-ky/doc-viewer.aspx
4. Supplemental Performance Standards (Article 31): online.encodeplus.com/regs/boonecounty-ky/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=1198#secid-1198
5. Standards for Short-Term Rentals (Section 3191): online.encodeplus.com/regs/boonecounty-ky/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=3445

Important Note: This guide reflects current Boone County regulations as they apply to unincorporated areas including Burlington. Property owners should verify current requirements and consult with county officials before proceeding, as regulations may be subject to amendment. The $300 new permit fee is refundable if conditional use approval cannot be obtained or the permit cannot be approved for other reasons.