Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Glasgow, KY?

YES - Short-term rentals are allowed in Glasgow, Kentucky, but they are heavily regulated and require multiple permits and approvals. The operation of STRs falls under specific zoning requirements, with different rules applying based on the property's zoning district and location within the city or county.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Glasgow

Step 1: Determine Your Property's Zoning

Contact the Joint City-County Planning Commission to verify your property's zoning classification. STR regulations vary significantly by district:

• R-1 (Low Density Residential) - Most restrictive, limited allowances
• R-2 (Medium Density Residential) - Requires conditional use permit
• R-3 (Small Lot Medium Density) - Requires conditional use permit
• R-4 (Medium Density Multi-Family) - Requires conditional use permit
• Commercial Districts (B-1, B-2, B-3) - May have different requirements

Step 2: Apply for Required Permits

1. Conditional Use Permit - Required for STRs in residential districts through the Board of Adjustment
2. Building Permits - Required for any construction or modification
3. Fire Safety Inspection - Required for all STRs
4. Health Department Permit - Required if serving food

Step 3: Obtain Business Licenses

Secure occupational/business licenses from the appropriate city where your STR is located:

• City of Glasgow
• City of Cave City
• City of Park City

Step 4: Register for Taxes

• Register for transient room tax payments
• Obtain state tax identification numbers
• Set up sales tax collection

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Zoning and Land Use

• Conditional Use Permit (required for residential zones)
• Site plan showing property boundaries and structures
• Property deed or lease documentation
• Zoning verification from Planning Commission

Building and Safety

• Building permit (if any renovations required)
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Fire safety inspection approval
• Kentucky Building Code compliance verification

Business Operations

• Occupational/Business license from appropriate city
• Transient room tax registration
• State tax identification number
• Sales tax permit (if applicable)

Health and Food Safety (if serving food)

• Food service permit from Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
• Barren County Health Department approval

Insurance and Legal

• Comprehensive liability insurance (standard homeowner's policies often insufficient)
• Business insurance coverage
• Restrictive covenant review for properties in subdivisions

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Glasgow)

• Zoning Compliance: STRs must comply with Chapter 158 of Glasgow Zoning Code
• Definition: STR is "a dwelling unit or sleeping unit occupied for no more than thirty (30) days by a non-owner occupant"
• Conditional Use Requirement: Most residential zones require Board of Adjustment approval
• Accessory Use Allowance: Limited to "taking of boarders or tourists" with maximum six rooms used for such purposes

County-Level Regulations (Barren County)

• Building codes and inspections through Barren County Building Inspector
• Health department oversight for food service operations
• County-wide transient room tax applies to STRs

State-Level Regulations (Kentucky)

• Kentucky Building Code compliance required
• Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services oversight for food service
• 1% state transient room tax
• 6% sales tax applies to STR rentals
• KRS Chapter 100.243 - State statutes governing variances and conditional uses

Key Restrictions and Requirements

• Maximum 30-day occupancy per guest stay
• Owner notification requirements to neighbors (varies by permit conditions)
• Parking requirements must meet zoning standards
• Fire safety equipment and emergency egress standards
• Occupancy limits based on building code and fire safety requirements

Contact Information

Joint City-County Planning Commission of Barren County

Primary Contact for Zoning and Permits

• Address: 200 S. Green St., Suite 201 (2nd Floor), Glasgow, KY 42141
• Phone: (270) 659-0661
• Email: Contact form available on website
• Website: www.jccpc-ky.com
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Barren County Building Inspector

Building Permits and Inspections

• Address: 200 S. Green St., Suite 200 (2nd Floor), Glasgow
• Phone: (270) 651-3921

Glasgow Fire Department - Fire Marshall

Fire Safety Requirements

• Address: 203 S. Broadway Street, Glasgow
• Phone: (270) 651-5170
• Website: https://cityofglasgow.gov/city_departments/fire/

Barren County Health Department

Food Safety and Health Permits

• Address: 200 S. Green Street, Glasgow
• Phone: (270) 651-8321
• Website: www.barrenriverhealth.org

City of Glasgow - Business Licensing

Occupational Tax Administrator

• Address: 126 E. Public Sq., Glasgow
• Contact: Nick Hurt, Occupational Tax Administrator
• Phone: (270) 651-5131
• Website: http://www.cityofglasgow.gov

Barren County Clerk's Office

Property Records and Restrictive Covenants

• Address: 117 N. Public Sq., Glasgow
• Phone: (270) 651-3783
• Website: https://barren.countyclerk.us

Alternative City Contacts

Cave City

• Address: 103 Duke St., Cave City
• Phone: (270) 773-2188
• Website: https://cavecity.ky.gov

Park City

• Address: 41 Mammoth Cave Ave., Park City
• Phone: (270) 749-5695
• Website: www.cityofparkcityky.org

Important Notes for Investors

Regulatory Changes in Progress

The Glasgow Planning Commission has been actively reviewing STR regulations since March 2023, with discussions about potentially restricting STRs in R-1 districts and enhancing permit requirements. The earliest any changes could take effect would be approximately six months from initial discussions.

Conditional Use Process

Residential STRs require approval from the Board of Adjustment, which can impose conditions such as:

• Parking limitations
• Occupancy restrictions
• Noise control requirements
• Neighbor notification procedures

Financial Considerations

• Transient room tax rates vary by jurisdiction
• Multiple license fees and permit costs
• Potential insurance premium increases
• Property tax implications for commercial use classification

Risk Mitigation

• Comprehensive insurance coverage is essential
• Legal review of restrictive covenants required
• Professional property management recommended for compliance
• Regular inspection and maintenance protocols needed

Source Links

• Joint City-County Planning Commission: https://jccpc-ky.com/short-term-rental/
• Glasgow Zoning Code (Updated 2024): Glasgow Zoning Code PDF
• Planning Commission Discussion Article: https://glasgownews1.com/2023/03/23/planning-commission-to-consider-changes-regarding-short-term-rental-uses/

Disclaimer: Regulations are subject to change. Investors must verify current requirements with local authorities before proceeding with any STR investment or operation.