Overview

Short-term rentals are allowed in Hazard, KY. Based on the provided content, there are no city-specific short-term rental regulations identified for Hazard, Kentucky. The city operates under Kentucky state-level regulations, and the broader regulatory framework applies as outlined below.

State-Level Regulatory Framework

Kentucky Administrative Regulations - Hotel and Motel Code (902 KAR 7:010)

Key Definitions:

• "Transient" means occupancy of a dwelling unit or sleeping unit for not more than thirty (30) days
• The Hotel and Motel Code explicitly excludes "vacation rental cabins" from hotel regulations
• Establishments with 3 or more rentable units at one location fall under hotel permitting requirements

State Health Department Oversight:

• The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services regulates hospitality establishments
• Annual permits required for establishments meeting hotel definitions
• Fees range from $100 for annual permit plus inspection fees based on room count ($150-$350)

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

Step 1: Property Assessment and Compliance

1. Zoning Verification: Confirm your property is zoned appropriately for short-term rental use
2. Building Standards: Ensure property meets habitability standards including:
   • Adequate heating system (capable of maintaining 68°F)
   • Proper lighting (minimum 5 foot-candles in guest rooms)
   • Ventilation systems
   • Potable water supply
   • Proper sewage disposal

Step 2: Health and Safety Compliance

1. Water and Ice Safety:

   • Water supply must be from approved public source or meet private system requirements
   • Ice dispensing must use approved machines or prepackaged ice
   • Self-service ice storage bins are prohibited

2. Facility Requirements:

   • Adequate toilet and bathing facilities
   • Self-closing restroom doors
   • Hand-washing facilities with soap and sanitary towels
   • Clean sleeping rooms with proper bedding (2 sheets, 1 pillow per occupant)

Step 3: Business Registration

1. Register business with appropriate state and local authorities
2. Obtain necessary tax identification numbers
3. Consider commercial liability insurance

Required Documents, Permits, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (902 KAR 7:010)

1. Hotel Permit (if applicable):

   • Application Form DFS-200
   • Annual permit fee: $100
   • Late renewal penalty: $50 (if postmarked more than 30 days after expiration)
   • Inspection fees based on room count

2. Health Department Inspection:

   • Required annually for hotels
   • Additional inspections as needed for enforcement
   • Violations must be corrected within specified timeframes

3. Construction Requirements:

   • Plans approval required for new construction or modifications
   • Must include layout, construction materials, fixed equipment, and plumbing riser diagram

Operational Guidelines

1. Staff Requirements:

   • Employees must maintain high personal cleanliness
   • Hand-washing required before starting work and after restroom visits
   • Exclusion policies for employees with communicable diseases

2. Maintenance Standards:

   • Rooms, hallways, and lobbies must be kept clean
   • Vermin control measures required
   • Refuse disposal in safe, sanitary manner
   • Linen storage separate from soiled items

Eastern Kentucky Regulatory Context

Regional Considerations

Based on regional analysis from Eastern Kentucky communities:

1. Zoning Importance: Local zoning laws are critical for managing STR impacts

2. Community Concerns: Eastern Kentucky communities have expressed concerns about:

   • Housing affordability impacts
   • Shifting neighborhood character
   • Natural resource constraints (e.g., water shortages)
   • Tax collection issues

3. Madison County Model: Neighboring Madison County has enacted specific STR ordinances, indicating regional trend toward local regulation

Enforcement Considerations

• State health departments conduct regular inspections
• Violation notices establish correction timeframes
• Permits can be suspended for health hazards or non-compliance
• Administrative hearing rights available for disputed actions

Specific Regulations Summary

City Level (Hazard, KY)

• No specific city ordinances identified in provided content
• Operates under Kentucky state regulations
• Investors should verify with City of Hazard for any local ordinances

County Level (Perry County)

• No specific county ordinances identified in provided content
• County-level zoning may apply - verify with Perry County Planning/Zoning

State Level (Kentucky)

• Hotel and Motel Code (902 KAR 7:010) applies to establishments with 3+ rentable units
• Health Department oversight for establishments meeting hotel definitions
• 30-day maximum for transient occupancy definition
• Vacation rental cabins explicitly excluded from hotel regulations
• Annual permitting and inspection requirements

Contact Information

Local Health Authority

Perry County Health Department

• Primary agency for health inspections and permits
• Contact Kentucky Department for Public Health if county-level contact unavailable

State-Level Contacts

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

• Environmental Management Branch
• Division of Public Health Protection and Safety
• 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
• Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mountain Association (Regional Support)

• Samuel Tolliver, Policy & Research Coordinator
• Email: samuel@mtassociation.org
• Phone: (859) 986-2373
• Location: 420 Main St, Hazard, KY 41701
• Provides economic development and policy support for Eastern Kentucky

Local Government

City of Hazard

• Verify any local ordinances or permitting requirements
• Contact City Hall for zoning verification and local business registration

Source Pages and References

1. Kentucky Hotel and Motel Code: apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/902/007/010/
2. Mountain Association Regional Analysis: mtassociation.org/communities/airbnb-opportunities-and-challenges-for-eastern-kentucky-communities/
3. Kentucky Legislative Research Commission: legislature.ky.gov/

Recommendations for STR Investors

1. Verify Local Requirements: Contact City of Hazard and Perry County directly to confirm no local ordinances apply
2. Start with State Compliance: Ensure full compliance with 902 KAR 7:010 requirements if applicable
3. Community Engagement: Given regional concerns about housing and tourism impacts, engage with local community early in planning process
4. Professional Consultation: Consider consulting with local planning authorities and legal counsel familiar with Kentucky hospitality regulations
5. Market Analysis: Use regional data sources (Airdna, etc.) to assess market conditions before investment

Disclaimer: This guide is based solely on the provided content. Investors should verify current regulations with local authorities, as requirements may have changed since content publication.