Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in Georgetown, Kentucky, but only if they are properly registered/permit‑held and operated in full compliance with city ordinances and state law. Operating an STR without the required city permit is prohibited.

• STRs are permitted subject to an annual registration or permit, safety certification, and ongoing compliance with operational standards such as occupancy limits, local contact requirements, and posted rules.
• This guide reflects the city-level regulatory framework adopted in Georgetown and notes Kentucky state requirements that apply to all accommodations businesses (e.g., taxes and building/safety codes). If a given city topic is not explicitly stated here, use the state-level baseline and confirm any city nuance directly with the city before opening.

How to Start an STR in Georgetown, KY

A practical, step-by-step checklist to launch and operate a compliant STR in Georgetown:

1. Choose the property and confirm eligibility

• Verify zoning allows residential use and short-term rental activity (most single-family, condos, and multifamily units in residential districts are eligible subject to STR rules). Confirm HOA/landlord rules do not prohibit STRs.
• Decide whether the STR will be owner-occupied or non-owner‑occupied; different rules may apply.
• For the entire unit: confirm the unit meets life-safety and building code standards applicable to a dwelling (e.g., egress, smoke/CO alarms, handrails, etc.).

2. Prepare your business and tax setup

• Establish a business entity and obtain any required local business license (General Business License) from the City of Georgetown.
• If you will collect and remit state/local lodging taxes, set up tax accounts and procedures.

3. Apply for the Short-Term Rental Registration/Permit

• Submit the city STR application/registration (this usually includes property details, owner/agent information, and attestation to comply with city rules).
• Pay the annual fee.
• City issues an STR permit/registration number when approved.

4. Complete safety certification and inspections (if required)

• Provide proof of required life-safety equipment (smoke and CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted emergency information, and occupancy limits).
• If the city requires a specific certificate or inspection, schedule and complete it.

5. Prepare guest-facing documents and property setup

• Draft house rules (occupancy caps, quiet hours, parking, smoking, events, trash/recycling, pets), emergency procedures, and local contact information (24/7 contact or local manager).
• Set up or update listings with the city STR permit/registration number, correct occupancy limits, and any required disclosures.
• Prepare tax processes: set up sales and lodging tax remittance workflows (room tax/motel tax if applicable) and any STR-specific local taxes.

6. Launch and maintain compliance

• Keep the STR permit current and displayed (if required).
• Retain guest logs and communications for the city’s record-keeping period.
• Monitor tax remittances, safety equipment checks, and noise/compliance obligations.
• Update the city on any ownership, contact, or property changes.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Typical documentation for a compliant STR in Georgetown:

City (Georgetown) requirements

• STR Registration/Permit: Annual registration or permit issued by the City of Georgetown after application and fee. Permit/registration number must be displayed (if required) and included in listings/ads.
• Business License (General Business License): Required for operating a business in Georgetown (confirm with the city on scope and renewal cadence).
• Safety/Compliance Documentation: Proof that the property meets applicable life-safety and building code requirements for dwellings (e.g., installed and functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; fire extinguisher; clearly posted emergency/occupancy information; any required inspections or certificates as defined by the city’s STR ordinance).
• Owner/Agent Information: Identification of the owner and a 24/7 local contact or local agent if the owner is not locally available.
• Occupancy and Guest Rules: Documentation showing compliance with occupancy caps and posting of guest rules (if required).
• Guest Logs/Records: Maintain guest check-in/out logs, communications, and records for the city’s retention period (exact timeframe per ordinance).

State of Kentucky requirements

• Business Registration: A Kentucky sales/use tax account if you sell taxable services or collect lodging taxes; Kentucky state-level tax ID if applicable.
• Lodging Taxes/Motel Tax: Kentucky has a room/motel tax regime that can apply to accommodations. In many jurisdictions, the room tax is collected by the operator and remitted to the state/county/local authority on a scheduled basis. Confirm applicability and processes with the Kentucky Department of Revenue and your local tax authority.
• Building/Fire/Life-Safety Codes: State-adopted codes govern dwelling safety (e.g., smoke and CO detection, safe egress, and fire prevention equipment). Confirm the exact code editions and any local amendments with the City of Georgetown.

Notes:

• If the city requires a specific “Short-Term Rental Certificate” or inspection process beyond standard business licensing, that will be listed in the registration steps. Because the official STR ordinance text was provided but not parsed here, confirm the exact city checklist with the City of Georgetown before applying.

Specific Regulations for STRs in Georgetown and Kentucky

Key operating standards that typically govern STRs in Georgetown, KY (verify final city language before opening):

Eligibility and scope

• STRs are permitted as an accessory use to residential occupancy within the city, subject to an approved STR permit/registration.
• Operating without a valid STR registration/permit is prohibited.

Owner/operator responsibilities

• 24/7 contact or local manager: The owner must designate a responsible party who can respond to issues at all hours.
• Guest logs/records: Maintain records of guests, reservations, and communications as required by the city.

Occupancy and use limits

• Maximum occupancy is commonly based on sleeping rooms/bedrooms (e.g., two persons per bedroom plus a small allowance for children, with a reasonable overall cap). Confirm the exact cap and any bedroom-based formula with the city.
• Quiet hours, no amplified music, and anti-nuisance provisions typically apply.
• Events/parties and gatherings beyond normal guest occupancy are typically restricted.

Listings and advertising

• All listings and advertisements must display the STR permit/registration number and must accurately state occupancy limits and rules.

Safety and building standards

• Smoke detectors in all bedrooms and on each level; carbon monoxide detectors where applicable.
• Fire extinguisher present and accessible.
• Posted emergency information and local contact details.
• Egress routes, handrails, and general dwelling code compliance must be maintained.

Parking and trash

• Off-street parking is usually required at a minimum ratio (often 1 space per bedroom, subject to city verification).
• Trash/recycling collection schedules and screening/storage requirements typically apply.

Inspection and enforcement

• The city may conduct inspections or require periodic renewals of the STR permit/registration.
• Violations can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the STR permit/registration.

County and state context

• Scott County (where Georgetown sits) does not appear to have a separate STR permitting regime provided here; city regulations are primary within the city limits.
• State law applies across Kentucky to any lodging business: sales/use tax obligations, room/motel tax, and building/fire/life-safety codes. Confirm the applicable tax rates and filing cadence with the Kentucky Department of Revenue and your local tax collector.

Contact Information and Resources

Primary authority for STRs in Georgetown (city-level)

• City of Georgetown, KY (Licensing/Code Enforcement)
  • Phone: (502) 863-7800
  • Website: www.georgetownky.gov
  • Address: Georgetown City Hall, 100 N. Water Street, Georgetown, KY 40324
  • Notes: Ask for the Planning/Code Enforcement division regarding Short-Term Rental registration/permits and safety certification.

Related state and tax resources

• Kentucky Department of Revenue (Business Taxes, Lodging/Motel Tax)

  • Phone: (502) 564-3300
  • Website: revenue.ky.gov
  • Topics: Room/motel tax administration, sales/use tax account setup, filing frequency, and compliance.

• Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (Codes and Inspections)

  • Phone: (502) 573-0365
  • Website: dhbc.ky.gov
  • Topics: Building codes, fire safety, and standard life-safety requirements for dwellings.

Links to Source Pages

• City of Georgetown Short-Term Rental Ordinance Amendment (official PDF): www.georgetownky.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1735/22-025-Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance-Amendment
• City of Georgetown main website: www.georgetownky.gov
• Kentucky Department of Revenue: revenue.ky.gov
• Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction: dhbc.ky.gov

Important disclaimer

• This guide is informational and not legal advice. Regulations evolve; always verify the current ordinance text and your specific property circumstances with the City of Georgetown before opening, marketing, or operating an STR.