Overview: STR Allowance

Short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed within Williamstown, KY city limits, subject to strict compliance with local regulations. Operators must obtain prior approval from the City's Zoning Administrator before operating. This applies to all short-term vacation/housing rentals.

How to Start an STR Business in Williamstown

1. Verify Zoning Eligibility: Confirm your property is zoned to permit STRs. Contact the Zoning Administrator at (859) 824-6351 for zoning clearance.
2. Submit Application: Complete the Short-Term Vacation/Housing Rental Application and submit it with required supporting paperwork and fees to the Zoning Administrator at the Williamstown City Building (M-F, 8 AM - 5 PM).
3. Safety Compliance: Complete, sign, and submit the Short-Term Vacation/Housing Rental Safety Checklist with the application.
4. Receive Approval: Obtain approval for your application from the Zoning Administrator.
5. Obtain Required Permits & Licenses: After approval, secure a Zoning Permit and an Occupational License from the Zoning Administrator.
6. Handle Transient Room Tax: Submit Transient Room Tax paperwork to the Grant County Treasurer (Contact: (859) 823-7561) before renting. Collect and submit this tax quarterly after starting operations.
7. Operate Legally: Ensure all advertisements and rental contracts state the maximum allowed occupants and vehicles.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

• Zoning Clearance: Verification from Zoning Administrator that STRs are permitted on the specific property.
• Short-Term Vacation/Housing Rental Application: Primary application form.
• Short-Term Vacation/Housing Rental Safety Checklist: Mandatory safety requirements form.
• Zoning Permit: Issued after application approval.
• Occupational License: Required business license for operating the STR.
• Transient Room Tax Filing & Payment: Filed with Grant County Treasurer before operations begin; taxes paid quarterly thereafter.
• Compliance with Occupancy Limits: Enforce the specified maximum occupancy rules.
• Compliance with Parking Requirements: Provide minimum off-street parking spaces as mandated.
• Explicit Advertisement Requirements: Include max occupancy and vehicle limits in all ads and contracts.

Key Guidelines to Follow:

• STRs must be the primary dwelling; prohibited in RVs, tents, boats, etc.
• Occupancy Limit: Maximum 2 adults per bedroom + 2 additional adults total.
• Minimum 75 sq ft required per bedroom.
• Parking: Minimum 2 off-street spaces for single-unit STRs with ≤3 bedrooms. More required for >3 bedrooms. Downtown (Central Business District) exceptions apply if municipal parking access exists.

Specific Regulations: Williamstown (City), Grant County (County), Kentucky (State)

• City of Williamstown (Primary Authority):
  • Zoning Administrator Approval: Mandatory before operating (Contact: (859) 824-6351).
  • Application & Documentation: Use official forms (Application, Safety Checklist, Renewal Form).
  • Permits & License: Zoning Permit and Occupational License required.
  • Occupancy Limits: Strictly enforced (2 adults/bedroom + 2 adults total).
  • Bedroom Size: Minimum 75 sq ft.
  • Parking Requirements: Off-street spaces mandated, quantity based on bedrooms & location (Central Business District exception).
  • Primary Dwelling Restriction: STR must be the operator's primary residence; no rentals of non-primary structures.
  • Advertising: Mandatory inclusion of max occupancy and vehicle limits in ads/contracts.
  • Renewals: Annual renewal required by June 1st for permits effective July 1st; initial permit expiration was June 30, 2024.
• Grant County (Tax Authority):
  • Transient Room Tax: Collect and remit quarterly to the Grant County Treasurer (Contact: (859) 823-7561). Filing required before operations begin.
• Kentucky (State-Level - Limited Context in Provided Docs):
  • Transient Room Tax: State enabling legislation likely exists, but primary administration is at the County level (Grant County) for this tax.

Contact Information: Local Authority

• Zoning Administrator (City of Williamstown - STR Approval, Permits & Licenses):
  • Phone: (859) 824-6351
  • Address: Williamstown City Building, 400 N Main St, Williamstown, KY 41097
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Grant County Treasurer (Transient Room Tax):
  • Phone: (859) 823-7561
• City Main Line (General Information):
  • Phone: (859) 824-3633
  • Fax: (859) 824-6320

Links to Source Pages & Documents

1. Short-Term Vacation/Housing Rental Guidelines: https://cms5.revize.com/revize/williamstown/Document_Center/Government/Business/Short-Term%20Documents/short-term%20vacation%20housing%20rental%20guidelines%20sheet.pdf
2. Short-Term Vacation/Housing Rental Application: https://www.wtownky.org/Document_Center/Government/Business/Short-Term%20Documents/Short%20Term%20Vacation%20Housing%20Rental%20Application.pdf
3. Short-Term Vacation/Housing Rental Policy: https://www.wtownky.org/Document_Center/Government/Business/Short-Term%20Documents/Short%20Term%20Vacation%20Housing%20Rental%20Policy.pdf
4. Short-Term Vacation/Housing Rental Renewal Form: https://www.wtownky.org/Document_Center/Government/Business/Short-Term%20Documents/ShortTerm%20Vacation%20Housing%20Rental%20Renewal.pdf
5. Short-Term Vacation/Housing Rental Safety Checklist: https://www.wtownky.org/Document_Center/Government/Business/Short-Term%20Documents/Short%20Term%20Vacation%20Housing%20Rental%20Safety%20Check%20List.pdf
6. Williamstown Business Forms & Permits Page (Source Overview): https://www.wtownky.org/business/forms___permits.php

Disclaimer: This guide summarizes regulations based solely on the provided documents. Always verify current requirements and seek clarification from the Zoning Administrator before proceeding. Changes may occur.