Overview: Are STRs allowed? Short-term rentals are legal in Elizabethtown (Hardin County), Kentucky. The city confirms short-term rentals are permitted and subject to regulation and oversight by the Elizabethtown Planning & Development Department. As of April 2025, Elizabethtown’s Planning Commission is actively working on zoning text amendments to codify STR rules, including a 600-foot minimum spacing standard between short‑term rentals (with a waiver process under discussion). The governing documents are evolving, and final adopted ordinances may differ from proposals currently under consideration.

How to start a short-term rental business in this market

• Confirm zoning and location eligibility. Elizabethtown has multiple residential zoning districts (R-1, R-2, R-6) and other commercial and agricultural districts. STRs are discussed as allowable under city oversight, but the scope of permitted zoning districts and any spacing rules will be set by the final adopted ordinance. Early discussions indicate potential allowances (with conditions) in R‑1 and R‑2 and a spacing requirement across districts.
• Assess property fit and market demand. Hardin County’s STR market leans toward tourist‑oriented use cases. Rural cabins and apartments near urban amenities tend to perform well, given visitors attending local events and exploring regional attractions.
• Prepare for licensing/registration and business operations. While formal license/permit requirements for STRs are being finalized, it is reasonable to expect:
  • A city business license/registration for short‑term rentals.
  • Compliance with safety standards, life safety code basics, and zoning rules (including spacing).
  • Collection and remittance of applicable lodging/occupancy taxes through the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
• Build operating policies for guests. Draft house rules covering quiet hours, occupancy limits consistent with life safety standards, parking, trash/recycling, and emergency contact procedures.
• Marketing and listing. When advertising, include the permit/registration number once obtained and comply with any future advertising disclosure requirements.

Documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Business license/registration (City of Elizabethtown). Required for operating an STR within city limits; final application process and fees were not detailed on the source pages.
• Zoning confirmation. Confirm that STRs are a permitted use at your property address and that any spacing standards (e.g., 600 feet) can be met or waived.
• Safety compliance. Maintain the property in accordance with applicable building, life safety, and fire standards.
• Tax registration. Register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue to collect and remit state and local transient room taxes and any applicable sales taxes on associated services.
• Guest records and emergency contact. Maintain guest check‑in records as required by state law and post a local contact for guest issues (details of retention periods/formats were not specified in the provided sources).
• Advertising disclosures. Be prepared to list any required permit/registration number in listings (future requirement pending adoption).
• Insurance. Although not specified in the provided sources, carrying liability and property insurance appropriate for lodging operations is strongly recommended.

City of Elizabethtown regulations (and county context)

• Governing authority. The Elizabethtown Planning & Development Department oversees STR regulation and management.
• Spacing standard (proposed). The Planning Commission has discussed a 600-foot minimum distance between STRs, with a waiver process under consideration. Exact enforcement parameters, grandfathering of existing STRs, and allowable waivers will be set in the final ordinance.
• Zoning allowances. The Commission has discussed allowing STRs in R‑1 and R‑2 residential districts under certain conditions. Final approved districts, buffers, and conditions will govern where STRs can operate.
• Permits/inspections. A formal licensing and inspection process is contemplated but not finalized in the sources provided. Final fees, inspection schedules, and inspection scope will be set by ordinance or administrative policy.
• Neighborhood standards. Homeowners’ associations may impose stricter conditions than the city (but not weaker ones), per commission discussion.
• Parking, noise, and waste. While not detailed in the sources, such standards are typically addressed by city code and may be incorporated into the STR ordinance. Confirm specific limits and pickup schedules with the city.
• Enforcement. Violations of zoning, licensing, tax, or nuisance standards can result in enforcement actions. Specific fines or penalties were not listed in the provided sources.

State-level requirements (Kentucky)

• Transient room tax (lodging tax). STRs generally must collect and remit the Kentucky transient room tax and any applicable local room taxes. Registration and filing are administered by the Kentucky Department of Revenue; rates and local add‑ons vary and were not provided in the sources.
• Sales tax. Sales tax may apply to lodging and ancillary services depending on the transaction. Confirm applicability with the Department of Revenue.
• Guest registration. Kentucky requires lodging providers to maintain guest registration records; consult state statutes or your tax advisor for retention, format, and submission specifics.
• Building and life safety. Properties used as lodging must comply with applicable building, fire, and life safety codes and standards.

Local authority contact information

• City of Elizabethtown – Planning & Development Department
  • Address: 200 West Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
  • Phone: (270) 982‑3264
  • Email: www.elizabethtownky.org (main website; email addresses not specified on source pages)
• For tax registration and lodging tax compliance:
  • Kentucky Department of Revenue: revenue.ky.gov

Source links

• Lodge Compliance summary page for Hardin County/Elizabethtown STRs: www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/hardin-county-ky
• Elizabethtown Planning Commission packet (April 22, 2025) with STR‑related discussions and hearing minutes: elizabethtownky.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/April-22-Packet-Website.pdf

Investor notes and cautions

• Regulations are evolving. The 600‑foot spacing standard and other STR provisions discussed by the Planning Commission are proposals as of April 2025; confirm the final adopted ordinance before acquisition or build‑out.
• Zoning matters. Verify your exact zoning and whether STRs are permitted at the parcel level; parcel‑level restrictions (e.g., HOA rules) can be more restrictive than city rules.
• Taxes and licensing. Obtain definitive tax rates, filing cadence, and licensing steps directly from the Kentucky Department of Revenue and the City of Elizabethtown. The provided sources do not include application forms, fee schedules, or tax rates.
• Inspections and safety. Expect compliance reviews for life safety and code standards; schedule early to avoid listing delays.