Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Richmond, KY. The City of Richmond has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals through Ordinance 24-02 and subsequent amendments. As of February 2025, the city has refined its STR regulations to provide clearer zoning classifications and operational guidelines. STRs are permitted as of-right uses in R1A, R1B, and R1C residential zones, and as conditional uses in B2 commercial zones, subject to registration and compliance with all applicable regulations.

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

Starting an STR business in Richmond requires a systematic approach following the city's established regulatory framework:

Step 1: Property Zoning Verification

Before proceeding, verify that your property is located in an appropriate zoning district:

• R1A, R1B, R1C Residential Zones: STRs are permissible uses (allowed without special approval)
• B2 Commercial Zones: STRs are conditional uses (require approval process)
• Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm zoning classification for your specific property

Step 2: Property Compliance Assessment

Ensure your property meets all applicable standards:

• Structural integrity and safety compliance
• Parking requirements (vehicles per bedroom standards apply)
• Local building codes and maintenance standards
• Fire safety and emergency access requirements

Step 3: Registration Process

Register your STR with the City of Richmond:

• Submit initial registration application with required documentation
• Pay the initial registration fee of $2.50
• Provide property information, owner details, and contact information
• Submit to city review and approval process

Step 4: Ongoing Compliance

Maintain active registration:

• Pay annual recurring registration fee of $100
• Maintain current contact information
• Comply with all operational requirements
• Renew registration annually

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Core Registration Requirements

• Short-Term Rental Registration Application
• Property Information Documentation
  • Legal property description
  • Floor plans and occupancy specifications
  • Safety equipment certification
• Owner/Operator Information
  • Personal identification
  • Contact information for responsible party
  • Emergency contact details
• Business License (if operating as commercial entity)
• Proof of Insurance (recommended for liability protection)

Building and Safety Compliance

• Building Permit (if renovations required)
• Fire Safety Inspection (where applicable)
• Occupancy Certification
• Compliance with 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (adopted by city)

Operational Documentation

• House Rules and Guest Policies
• Emergency Contact Information display requirements
• Local Contact Person designation
• Trash and Recycling Service setup with Richmond Utilities

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Richmond, KY)

Zoning Requirements

• Permitted Locations: R1A, R1B, R1C residential zones (permissible use)
• Conditional Locations: B2 commercial zones (requires conditional use approval)
• Restricted Areas: Other zones may have specific prohibitions or additional requirements

Parking Standards

• Vehicles per Bedroom: City has established parking standards addressing the number of vehicles allowed per bedroom
• On-Site Parking: Properties must provide adequate parking meeting city standards
• Street Parking: Subject to general city parking regulations

Operational Requirements

• Registration: Mandatory registration with City of Richmond
• Fees: $2.50 initial registration fee, $100 annual renewal fee
• Inspection: Properties may be subject to safety and compliance inspections
• Occupancy Limits: Subject to building code and safety standards

Guest Management

• Responsible Party: 24/7 contact person must be designated and available
• Noise and Nuisance: Guests must comply with city noise ordinances and nuisance regulations
• Trash Service: Regular trash and recycling collection required (Rumpke service area)

County-Level Regulations (Madison County, KY)

Madison County may have additional regulations affecting properties within the county jurisdiction but outside city limits. STR operators should verify county requirements with Madison County government offices if operating in unincorporated areas.

State-Level Regulations (Kentucky)

General State Requirements

• Business Registration: STR operators may need state business registration if operating as commercial enterprise
• Sales Tax: Kentucky requires collection and remittance of sales tax on transient room rentals
• Transient Room Tax: Subject to local transient room tax requirements
• Building Codes: Compliance with Kentucky state building codes
• Fire Safety: Adherence to Kentucky fire safety regulations

Licensing Requirements

• State Business License (if applicable)
• Professional Licenses (if required for specific services)
• Food Service Licenses (if providing meals or kitchen facilities)

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Richmond - Planning and Zoning Department

• Address: 239 West Main Street, Richmond, KY 40475
• Phone: 859-623-1000
• Website: richmondky.gov/departments/planning_zoning/index.php
• Online Services: Accela Citizen Access portal for applications

Codes Enforcement Department

• Business License Inquiries: Contact through main number
• Code Compliance: richmondky.gov/departments/codes_enforcement/index.php
• Report Issues: richmondky.gov/government/report_issue_or_concern.php

Building Inspections Department

• Permit Applications: richmondky.gov/departments/building_inspections/index.php
• Online Submittal: aca-prod.accela.com/RICHMOND/Default.aspx

Finance Department (Tax and Licensing)

• Transient Room Tax: Contact Finance Department for tax collection requirements
• Business License Renewals: richmondky.gov/departments/finance/index.php

City Hours and Accessibility

• Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Contact: General inquiries through main number 859-623-1000

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Documents

1. City Ordinances Page: richmondky.gov/government/city_ordinances.php

   • Contains links to all city ordinances including STR regulations
   • Ordinance 24-02 (Short Term Rental): Available in document center

2. Code Library: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/richmond/latest/overview

   • Comprehensive online database of all Richmond city ordinances
   • Updated annually with most current regulations

Online Application Portals

3. Accela Citizen Access: aca-prod.accela.com/RICHMOND/Default.aspx

   • Online permit and license application system
   • Building permits, business licenses, and STR registrations

4. Planning and Zoning Department: richmondky.gov/departments/planning_zoning/index.php

   • Zoning verification and land use guidance
   • Conditional use applications for B2 commercial zone operations

Additional Resources

5. Code Enforcement Portal: buildrichmondky.com/building-construction-code-enforcement-complaints/

   • Compliance reporting and issue tracking

6. Richmond Utilities: richmondutilities.com/pages/main/home.php

   • Trash service setup for STR properties
   • Utility account establishment for rental properties

Recent Amendment Information

7. Citizen Portal Article: citizenportal.ai/articles/6693223/Richmond-City/Madison-County/Kentucky/Richmond-amends-shortterm-rental-rules-and-zoning-after-fee-parking-clarifications
   • Details on 2025 amendments to STR regulations
   • Meeting transcripts and discussion summaries

Important Notes for Investors

Current Regulatory Environment: Richmond has actively updated its STR regulations to provide clearer operational frameworks. The 2025 amendments demonstrate the city's commitment to balancing economic opportunities with neighborhood protection.

Implementation Timeline: New regulations and amendments take effect upon publication following enactment procedures under Kentucky law. Operators should verify current status of all applicable requirements.

Compliance Monitoring: The city actively enforces STR regulations through code enforcement activities. Non-compliance may result in registration revocation, fines, or other enforcement actions.

Market Dynamics: The regulatory clarity provided by recent amendments is expected to support legitimate STR operations while maintaining neighborhood character and addressing community concerns.

Investment Considerations: Before purchasing properties for STR use in Richmond, investors should verify zoning compliance, assess parking availability, and confirm all registration requirements can be met for the specific intended use.

This guide represents the current regulatory landscape as of the provided information. STR operators should regularly verify updates to regulations and maintain ongoing compliance with all applicable requirements at the city, county, and state levels.