Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals (STRs) Allowed in Wilmore, KY? Yes—short‑term rentals are allowed in Wilmore, subject to zoning, safety, and operational requirements. Under the Jessamine County Zoning Ordinance, a “Short-Term Rental” is defined as a dwelling unit or portion of a dwelling rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days and does not include hotel/motel rooms, extended-stay lodging, or bed and breakfasts. If you plan to advertise a STR for more than 10 days in a calendar year, the following rules apply: a change-of-use zoning permit (or conditional use permit where required) is required, the property must comply with residential fire and building codes, the STR number assigned by the Planning Commission must be listed on all advertisements and platforms, and standard operational limits apply (e.g., max 5 bedrooms, max 30‑day stays, parking). Short‑term rental use is not allowed in accessory buildings (garages, sheds, RVs), and no RV/trailer may be used for STR accommodations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Wilmore

• Confirm Zoning Eligibility
  • Review the zoning of the subject property (R‑1, R‑1A, R‑1B, R‑1T, R‑1V, R‑2, R‑3, R‑5, P‑1, B‑1, B‑2, B‑3, A‑1).
  • Determine whether a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required for your zone.
  • Verify there are no deed restrictions, HOA covenants, or title restrictions that prohibit STRs; include a deed/Covenants review in your due diligence.
• Apply for Permits and Approvals
  • If a CUP is required, obtain it before applying for the zoning permit.
  • Submit a “Short Term Rental Zoning Permit Application” for zoning compliance of the existing structure. This permit does not authorize new construction.
  • Complete the required Building Inspection to verify compliance with residential fire and building codes. Passing inspection is required before the Planning Commission issues your STR number.
• Register for Business and Taxes
  • Register with the Jessamine County Occupational Tax Office before the permit is issued (business registration required on the application).
• Prepare and Submit Required Plans
  • Provide a site plan and floor plan as part of the application. One off‑street parking space per guest room is required.
  • Consider notification requirements: if a CUP is needed, you must provide a list of adjoining property owners to receive certified mail notices (current certified mail cost noted as $9.64).
• Operate Legally
  • Once the STR number is issued, list it on all advertisements and platforms.
  • Comply with operational limits and local laws, including Jessamine County District Health Department rules.
  • Maintain compliance with the zoning permit conditions and any additional conditions imposed by the Board of Adjustment.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Zoning Compliance Permit
  • Short Term Rental Zoning Permit Application (limited to existing structures).
• If Required: Conditional Use Permit
  • Application and approval must precede the zoning permit in zones where a CUP is required.
• Building and Fire Code Compliance
  • Building inspection and approval required prior to issuance of the STR number.
• Planning Submittals
  • Site plan showing parking layout (one off‑street space per guest room).
  • Floor plan indicating location and number of guest rooms.
  • Narrative describing the proposed STR operation.
• Business Registration
  • Registration with the Jessamine County Occupational Tax Office (required before permit issuance).
• Legal Due Diligence
  • Proof or attestation of no conflicting deed/HOA/covenant restrictions (applicant’s initials acknowledging chain‑of‑title review).
• Advertising
  • Use of assigned STR number on all advertisements and platforms.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (City of Wilmore and Jessamine County) Zoning and Permitting

• A STR is defined as a dwelling (or portion of one) rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days; excludes hotels/motels, extended‑stay lodging, and B&Bs.
• Bed and breakfasts are separately defined and regulated; confirm whether B&B licensing or separate rules apply if you intend to operate a B&B.
• STR use is not permitted in accessory buildings (e.g., garages, sheds, RVs). Recreational vehicles/trailers may not be used for STR accommodations.

Permit Triggers and Type

• Advertising a STR for more than 10 days in a calendar year triggers Planning and Zoning requirements.
• A Change‑of‑Use Zoning Permit is required prior to operation; if a Conditional Use Permit is required in your zone, the CUP replaces the Change‑of‑Use Zoning Permit.
• No zoning permits are required if you limit advertising and operation to 10 days or fewer per calendar year.

Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Zones (per application guidance)

• City of Wilmore: CUP typically required in A‑1, R‑1, R‑1A, R‑1B, R‑1T; zoning permit allowed without CUP in R‑2, R‑3, R‑5, P‑1, B‑1, B‑2, B‑3.
• County (unincorporated): CUP typically required in A‑1, R‑1, R‑1V; zoning permit allowed without CUP in R‑2, R‑3, P‑1, B‑1, B‑2, B‑3.
• Always confirm exact zoning and CUP requirements for your parcel before applying.

Operational Standards (apply county‑wide, including City of Wilmore)

• Safety and Codes: STRs must meet residential fire and building codes.
• Occupancy: Each guest room must be designed and intended to accommodate no more than two persons, excluding children under 12.
• Length of Stay: Each room must be rented for no longer than 30 days.
• Parking: One off‑street parking space per guest room is required; show on site plan.
• Bedrooms: STRs are limited to a maximum of five bedrooms.
• Location Within Building (certain zones): In B‑1, B‑2, B‑3, and P‑1, guestroom accommodations must occur on the second floor or higher. You may request a waiver from the Board of Adjustment.
• Health and Nuisance: The use must not adversely affect surrounding uses by excessive traffic, noise, or light; must comply with Jessamine County District Health Department rules.
• Advertising: The STR number assigned by the Planning Commission must be listed on all advertisements and platforms.
• Business Registration: Must register with the Occupational Tax Office prior to permit issuance.
• Deed/HOA Restrictions: The Board of Adjustment will consider applicable covenants and the density of STRs in the neighborhood when reviewing CUPs.
• Accessory Buildings and Vehicles: STRs must be in a dwelling; no accessory buildings or RVs/trailers may be used as STR accommodations.

County‑Specific Notes

• The Zoning Ordinance is administered by Jessamine County; the City of Wilmore appears to rely on the same zoning framework and application processes for STRs.
• The application references the Jessamine County District Health Department for sanitation/environmental compliance.
• Confirm the fee schedule for zoning permits and inspection fees directly with the Planning/Zoning office; the application mentions payment by check or money order to Jessamine County Fiscal Court (JCFC) but does not specify amounts.

State‑Level (Kentucky) Considerations

• Property Taxes: Short‑term rental income may affect property tax classifications and assessments (consult local and state guidance).
• Sales and Transient Taxes: Kentucky administers state sales tax and local transient room taxes through the Department of Revenue and local jurisdictions; assess whether these taxes apply to your STR income and whether local lodging or hospitality taxes are collected in Wilmore/Jessamine County. The provided documents do not specify rates or registration procedures.
• Insurance: Confirm coverage and risk management appropriate to STR operations under Kentucky law and standard insurance products.

Local Authority Contact Information (STR Oversight)

• Jessamine County Planning and Zoning (applications, zoning permits, inspections, STR number assignment)
  • Physical Address: Wilmore/Jessamine County area (specific street not provided in source materials)
  • Website ( ordinances and forms ): online.encodeplus.com/regs/jessaminecounty-ky/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=1479
• City of Wilmore (zoning administration, utility and municipal matters)
  • Website: wilmore.org/
  • City Hall: 210 S. Lexington Ave., Wilmore, KY
  • Phone: 859‑858‑4411 / 859‑858‑4412
  • City Clerk (business licensing, property tax, records): cityclerk@wilmore.org
  • Community Development (general planning contact): communitydevelopment@wilmore.org
• Occupational Tax Office (business registration)
  • Address/contact details not provided in the source materials; registration is required before permit issuance.
• Jessamine County PVA (adjoining owner names for notices, assessments)
  • Website: www.jessaminepva.com/

Links to Source Pages and Documents

• Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit Application (PDF): jessamineky.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Short-Term-Rental-Application.pdf
• Jessamine County Zoning Ordinance (view/definitions): online.encodeplus.com/regs/jessaminecounty-ky/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=1479
• Short‑Term Rental definition link (county ordinance): online.encodeplus.com/regs/jessaminecounty-ky/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=1479
• City of Wilmore official website: wilmore.org/
• Jessamine County PVA: www.jessaminepva.com/
• City of Wilmore Zoning Ordinance: online.encodeplus.com/regs/wilmore-ky/doc-viewer.aspx#secid--1
• Joint Planning Commission Subdivision Regulations: online.encodeplus.com/regs/jessaminecounty-ky-pcsr/doc-viewer.aspx

Notes and Practical Tips

• Due diligence: Always pull deed and HOA restrictions early; the Board of Adjustment will consider them during CUP review.
• Timing: Secure any required CUP first, then proceed with the zoning permit and inspection. The STR number is issued only after passing inspection.
• Advertising: Do not advertise beyond 10 days in a calendar year until you have the STR number in hand and all approvals are in place.
• Clarity on forms: The application references a Business Registration # from the Occupational Tax Office; this registration is separate from any municipal business license and is required before the zoning permit will be issued.
• Zoning verification: Confirm your parcel’s zone and whether CUP is required using the county’s online ordinance viewer or by contacting Planning and Zoning.

This guide synthesizes the provided documents and ordinance excerpts applicable to Wilmore and Jessamine County. For questions about fees, building code specifics, or interpretations related to your property, contact the Jessamine County Planning and Zoning office or the City of Wilmore.