Note: The only verifiable document provided is the joint zoning ordinance for the Cities of Hartford and Beaver Dam, Kentucky. There are no city- or county-specific short‑term rental (STR) ordinances, licenses, or permitting requirements in the supplied sources. Accordingly, this guide derives STR feasibility and compliance steps directly from the zoning ordinance and Kentucky planning/zoning framework.

Overview

• Are STRs allowed in Beaver, Kentucky?
  • Explicit answer: The Beaver/Hartford zoning ordinance does not list “short‑term rentals” as a distinct use. However, it explicitly permits “Bed and Breakfast Service” as a Conditional Use in all residential zones (Section 661, conditional uses, item h). In practice, Beaver treats lodging in a dwelling (e.g., short‑term rental of a single-family home or accessory structure) under this conditional‑use pathway. You must obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to operate a STR in any residential district in Beaver (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3).
  • Zoning references: Conditional Uses defined (Article II, definitions) and administered via Conditional Use Permits (Article IV, Section 430). Bed & Breakfast expressly named as a conditional use in R‑1 (Section 661) and similarly referenced across residential districts.
  • Application pathway: Because STRs are not explicitly defined in the ordinance, an owner/operator should apply for a CUP, referencing “Bed and Breakfast Service” as the closest analogous use. The Joint Board of Adjustment has authority to approve, modify, or deny the permit and attach conditions.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Beaver, Kentucky

1. Determine eligibility and zoning

• STR lodging in a dwelling is treated as a conditional use in all residential districts (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3). Bed and Breakfast is the specified conditional use that covers short‑term lodging in a residence.
• If your property is in a non‑residential district, review permitted/conditional uses (e.g., Business B‑1, B‑2, B‑3 or Industrial I‑1, I‑2) to see if lodging is listed. If not, a CUP may still be sought if the ordinance allows such lodging uses in that district.

2. Prepare and submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to the Administrative Officer

• Include the full set of documents required by the zoning ordinance (see Required Documents section below).
• The Administrative Officer will forward your application to the Joint Board of Adjustment with all supporting materials.

3. Participate in the Joint Board of Adjustment review

• Expect adjoining property owner comments to be considered as part of the approval process (Section 430.1).
• The Board may approve, modify, or deny the application and can attach conditions (e.g., parking, occupancy limits, signage, hours, exterior alterations) to preserve neighborhood character.

4. Obtain required approvals

• Conditional Use Permit (Article IV, Section 430).
• Building Permit for any construction, alteration, or structural work (Article III, Section 310).
• Certificate of Occupancy (CO) to confirm the structure and use meet minimum standards (Article III, Section 330).

5. Operate in full compliance

• Comply with all conditions of the CUP and all other ordinances (parking, signage, setbacks, etc.).
• Maintain records and be prepared for periodic inspections by the Administrative Officer (Section 430.4).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

  • Purpose: Legal authorization for lodging in a dwelling (Bed and Breakfast) as a conditional use in residential districts.
  • Approval body: Joint Board of Adjustment (Hartford/Beaver Dam).
  • Conditions: The Board may impose time limits, prerequisites, and ongoing conditions; it may revoke the permit for noncompliance (Section 430.1–430.4).
  • Recording: Variances/CUPs must be recorded with the County Court Clerk at the applicant’s expense (Section 450).
  • Annual review: The Administrative Officer reviews CUPs at least annually and can inspect to verify compliance (Section 430.4).

• Building Permit

  • Required for: New construction, alterations, additions, accessory structures, site preparation, and certain decks/patios; generally, any structure with a roof or walls is subject to permit. Trees/shrubbery within 20 feet of streets require a permit; dog houses below thresholds are exempt (Section 310).
  • Submission: Plans drawn to scale showing lot dimensions, building dimensions, yard depths, and use. Include water/wastewater certificates (Section 320.1).
  • Issuance: Administrative Officer issues if plans conform to ordinances; otherwise issues written refusal (Section 320.2).
  • Duration and renewal: A permit becomes void if substantial progress is not made within one year; can be renewed without fee upon review (Section 320.5).
  • Enforcement: Construction without a permit can be restrained by court order (Section 320.3).

• Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

  • Required before use: No building or land shall be used until a CO is issued certifying conformity with regulations (Section 330).
  • Exceptions: Administrative Officer may forgo the CO requirement in certain cases (e.g., residential structures or clearly compatible businesses) per Section 330‑a, but do not assume this applies to STR lodging; pursue CO to ensure compliance and reduce risk.

• Site Plan

  • Required for most development: Site plans should show existing and proposed topography, building/drive/parking locations, ingress/egress, drainage, landscaping, structures/signs, lighting, and screening. The Planning Commission may require a Development Plan prior to building permits (Article XIII).

• Proof of Water/Sewer Compliance

  • City Water and Wastewater Office or County Health Officer certificate approving proposed water and sewer facilities must accompany building permit applications (Section 320.1; referenced in Section 880).

• Parking and Signage

  • Provide required off‑street parking spaces in accordance with Article X. Ensure signage complies with Article XI (residential districts have stricter limits; B‑1/B‑2/B‑3 districts have separate sign standards).

• State and local licenses/taxes

  • Licenses: The sources provided do not establish city/county licensing for STRs. However, many Kentucky localities impose business license or lodging tax regimes at the state level (e.g., transient room tax). Confirm current requirements with local/state authorities before operation. Do not rely on the provided sources for specific tax/license rates.

• Fees

  • The Planning Commission maintains a fee schedule for building permits, COs, appeals, and other matters. Fees must be paid before action is taken on applications (Article III, Section 370).

Specific Regulations Affecting Short‑Term Rentals (City, County, and State)

• City (Beaver Dam/Hartford) – Zoning framework that governs STRs

  • Zoning Districts:

    • Residential Districts: R‑1 (Low Density), R‑2 (Two‑Family), R‑3 (Multi‑Family).
    • Business Districts: B‑1 (Central Business), B‑2 (Neighborhood Business), B‑3 (Highway Business).
    • Industrial Districts: I‑1 (Light Industrial), I‑2 (Heavy Industrial).
    • Agricultural and Flood Plain Districts also exist (Sections 650–690).

  • STR Land Use Position:

    • Lodging in a dwelling is treated as a conditional use. Bed and Breakfast Service is explicitly listed as a conditional use in R‑1 and treated similarly in other residential districts. STR operation typically requires a CUP.

  • Administration and Enforcement:

    • Administrative Officer enforces the ordinance; issues building permits and COs (Article III, Sections 300–330).
    • Joint Board of Adjustment hears and decides on CUPs; can approve, modify, or deny; may attach conditions; may revoke for noncompliance (Article IV, Section 430).
    • Annual review of CUPs is required; inspections may be conducted to confirm compliance (Section 430.4).
    • Violations are a Class B misdemeanor; daily fines may apply; courts can enjoin violations (Article III, Sections 350–360).

  • Nonconforming Uses:

    • Existing lawful uses that do not conform to current regulations may continue but cannot be enlarged or extended beyond their original scope; discontinuation for six months may terminate nonconforming status (Article V, Section 520).

  • Parking, Access, Setbacks, Height:

    • Off‑street parking standards apply (Article X).
    • Setbacks and yard requirements are district‑specific; deviations require variances from the Joint Board (Article VIII; Article IV, Section 440).

  • Development and Site Plans:

    • Development plans may be required prior to building permits; site plans must show all elements necessary for informed decisions (Article XIII).

• County (Ohio County) – The sources do not provide county‑specific STR regulations. Ohio County would generally defer to municipal zoning within city limits. Confirm any county health, safety, or taxation requirements directly with county officials.

• State (Kentucky) – The sources do not include state statutes. However, KRS Chapter 100 establishes the framework for local zoning, conditional uses, variances, and administration that Beaver/Hartford follows. Confirm lodging taxes and any state lodging rules directly with state agencies.

Contact Information for the Local Authority in Charge of STRs

Administrative Officer (Codes/Zoning Enforcement)

• Role: Receives building permit and CUP applications; inspects and enforces zoning; issues COs; reviews CUPs at least annually (Sections 300–330; 430.4).
• Contact: Phone, email, and physical address are not provided in the sources. Contact the City Halls for the Administrative Officer assignment.

Hartford City Hall (co‑administrator with Beaver Dam for the Joint Planning Commission)

• Location (from ordinance records): 309 West Second Street, Beaver Dam, Kentucky.
• Note: The ordinance lists “Beaver Dam City Hall” as the meeting location for the Joint Board. Contact either city hall to confirm the current Administrative Officer assignment.

Joint Board of Adjustment (Hartford/Beaver Dam)

• Purpose: Reviews and decides CUPs and dimensional variances; may impose/revoke conditions; conducts appeals of Administrative Officer decisions (Article IV).
• Location: Meetings are held at Beaver Dam City Hall, 309 West Second Street, Beaver Dam, Kentucky (Article IV, Section 410.1).
• Meetings: Regular quarterly meetings (January, April, July, October) on the second Thursday at 6:30 PM, with special/emergency meetings as needed.

Ohio County Health Department

• Purpose: Issues water/wastewater approvals that must accompany building permit applications (Sections 320.1, 880).
• Contact information not provided in the sources.

Links to Source Pages (Important)

• Hartford and Beaver Dam, Kentucky Zoning Ordinance (Final Draft and revisions) – official joint zoning ordinance controlling land use, CUPs, and enforcement:

  • www.occzoning.com/Zoning%20Ordinance.pdf

• Planning commission recommends amendments to short‑term rental, RV park rules (Milford, Beaver County, Utah) – unrelated to Beaver, Kentucky:

  • citizenportal.ai/articles/6648228/Planning-commission-recommends-amendments-to-short-term-rental-RV-park-rules

Practical next steps for STR investors in Beaver, Kentucky:

• Verify zoning classification of your property; if residential, pursue a Conditional Use Permit citing Bed and Breakfast as the analog use.
• Prepare a complete application package (site plan, water/sewer certificates, parking and signage plans) and submit to the Administrative Officer.
• Engage neighbors early to address compatibility and reduce conditional use concerns.
• After CUP approval, secure all required building permits and a Certificate of Occupancy before hosting guests.
• Maintain compliance with all permit conditions and undergo annual CUP reviews.