Overview

Are short-term rentals allowed in Pineville, KY? Based on the analysis of Pineville's Zoning Ordinance (Final Draft, 2024), short-term rentals are not explicitly addressed as a distinct land use category. However, STR operations would likely be evaluated under existing residential and lodging use classifications within the city's zoning framework.

Zoning Classification Analysis

Primary Residential Districts

R-1 Low Density Residential District:

• Permitted principal use: Detached single-family dwellings
• Conditional uses: Churches, public schools, public parks, cemeteries, home occupations
• Critical Note: Home occupations are specifically regulated and must be "clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes" with restrictions on merchandise trading and exterior displays

R-2 Two-Family Residential District:

• Permits single-family and two-family dwellings
• Same conditional uses as R-1 district
• Home occupation provisions apply

R-3 Multi-Family Residential District:

• Includes boarding houses and tourist homes among principal permitted uses
• This is the most relevant district for STR operations
• Apartments, town houses, condominiums permitted

Business Districts

B-1 Neighborhood Business District:

• Permits residential uses and convenience retail/service establishments
• No specific lodging provisions identified

B-2 Central Business District:

• Hotels and lodging establishments specifically permitted
• Mixed-use development encouraged with residential on upper floors

B-3 General Business District:

• Similar provisions to B-2 with vehicle-oriented commercial focus

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Pineville

Step 1: Determine Proper Zoning Classification

1. Identify your property's current zoning district
2. Analyze whether your intended STR use aligns with permitted uses
3. For properties in R-1 or R-2 districts: STR operations may require conditional use approval
4. For properties in R-3 district: Tourist homes are permitted; STRs likely align with this use
5. For properties in B-2 or B-3 districts: Hotels/motels are permitted; STRs may qualify

Step 2: Conditional Use Permit Process

If your property is not in a district that explicitly permits lodging uses, you must apply for a conditional use permit through the Board of Adjustment:

Application Requirements:

• Complete application with property details
• Site plan showing existing and proposed structures
• Detailed description of intended STR operation
• Compliance with all residential district standards

Review Process:

• Public notice required 14 days in advance
• Board of Adjustment approval with possible conditions
• Annual review requirement for conditional use permits

Step 3: Building Permits and Occupancy

Building Permit Requirements:

• Required for any construction, alteration, or moving of buildings
• Must submit dimensioned sketch or scale plan
• Administrative Official must issue permit within 30 days
• Permit expires if substantial progress not made within 6 months

Certificate of Occupancy:

• Required before any land or building use after alteration
• Administrative Official must inspect and certify compliance
• Final inspection within 5 days of notification

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Essential Permits and Approvals

1. Zoning Compliance Verification

• Verify property zoning classification
• Confirm STR use is permitted or obtain conditional use approval

2. Building Permit

• Required for any construction or alteration
• Submit application with scale plans
• Include existing and intended use declarations

3. Certificate of Occupancy

• Mandatory before STR operation
• Demonstrates compliance with all regulations

4. Conditional Use Permit (if required)

• Application through Board of Adjustment
• Public hearing required
• Annual compliance review

Supporting Documentation

Site Plans Must Include:

• Existing and proposed topography
• Location of all buildings, drives, parking spaces
• Means of ingress and egress
• Drainage facilities, landscaping, structures
• Lighting and screening devices
• Sign locations

Operational Details Required:

• Maximum occupancy limits
• Parking arrangements
• Waste management procedures
• Noise and nuisance prevention measures

Specific Regulations and Guidelines

Residential District Standards

R-1 District Requirements:

• Minimum lot area: 10,000 square feet
• Minimum lot width: 75 feet at building line
• Minimum front yard: 30 feet
• Minimum side yards: 10 feet each
• Maximum building height: 30 feet or 2 stories

R-3 District Standards:

• Minimum lot area: 6,250 sq ft for single-family; 6,000 sq ft for first unit + 2,000 sq ft per additional unit
• Minimum lot width: 40 feet for single-family; 60 feet for two-family; 80 feet for multi-family
• All other dimensional requirements per district standards

Commercial District Standards

B-2 Central Business District:

• Maximum building height: 5 stories
• All uses must be conducted within enclosed buildings
• Mixed-use encouraged with residential on upper floors

B-3 General Business District:

• Minimum lot frontage: 100 feet
• Front yard: 25 feet or 1/2 street right-of-way width
• Height: 30 feet or 2 stories

Operational Restrictions

Home Occupation Provisions (if applicable):

• Must be conducted exclusively by resident occupants
• Maximum 25% of one floor area
• No exterior alterations indicating commercial use
• No trading in merchandise or exterior displays

Parking Requirements:

• Off-street parking required per Article X regulations
• Minimum parking space: 9 feet × 19 feet
• Must comply with adjacent residential district requirements in commercial zones

County and State Regulations

Bell County Level

• Zoning regulations must coordinate with subdivision regulations
• Certificate of Land Use Restrictions required for zoning map amendments
• Floodplain development restrictions may apply in designated areas

Kentucky State Regulations

• Building permits governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 100
• Agricultural use exceptions per KRS 100 provisions
• Board of Adjustment procedures established under KRS 100.217
• Appeals process through Circuit Court of Bell County

Key State-Level Considerations

• Municipal zoning authority granted under KRS 100.201-100.271
• Building codes and safety standards established by state agencies
• Property tax implications for commercial vs. residential classification

Enforcement and Penalties

Violation Penalties

Individual Violations:

• Fine range: $25-$250 per conviction
• Each day of violation constitutes separate offense

Property Transfer Violations:

• Fine range: $100-$250 per lot or parcel involved

Corporate Violations:

• Fine range: $250-$1,000 per conviction
• Each day of violation constitutes separate offense

Compliance Requirements

• 30-day correction period for violations (extendable to 6 months)
• Administrative Official responsible for enforcement
• Board of Adjustment has revocation powers for noncompliance
• Right of action to compel removal of violating structures

Contact Information

Administrative Official/Building Inspector

Primary Contact: City Hall of the City of Pineville Functions:

• Building permit issuance
• Certificate of occupancy approval
• Zoning compliance enforcement
• Inspection and violation notification

Pineville Planning Commission

Address: Pineville, Kentucky Responsibilities:

• Development plan approval
• Zoning amendments
• Fee schedule establishment
• Public hearing coordination

Board of Adjustment

Composition: 5 citizen members appointed by City Council Functions:

• Conditional use permit review
• Dimensional variance decisions
• Appeal hearing procedures
• Annual conditional use compliance reviews

Pineville City Council

Role: Municipal authority for zoning enforcement Functions:

• Ordinance adoption and amendment
• Administrative official appointment
• Board of Adjustment member appointment

Source Documents and Links

Primary Zoning Ordinance:

• Pineville Zoning Ordinance Final Draft 2024
• Document ID: PDF-Zoning-Ordinance-2024.pdf
• Upload Date: August 2024
• Total Pages: 90 numbered pages plus unnumbered sections

Key Ordinance Sections for STR Analysis:

• Article II: Terms and Definitions (Pages 2-16)
• Article III: Administration and Enforcement (Pages 17-20)
• Article IV: Board of Adjustment (Pages 21-26)
• Article V: Nonconforming Uses (Pages 27-29)
• Article VI: Zoning Districts (Pages 30-46)
• Article VIII: Supplemental District Regulations (Pages 47-49)

Important Disclaimers and Recommendations

Critical Considerations

1. Document Age: The provided ordinance appears to be from 1990 with possible updates
2. Explicit STR Regulations: No specific short-term rental provisions identified
3. Zoning Classification Required: Property-specific analysis essential
4. Conditional Use Likely Required: Most residential districts will require special approval
5. Compliance Monitoring: Annual reviews required for conditional uses

Recommended Next Steps

1. Contact Administrative Official to verify current zoning requirements
2. Consult with Planning Commission regarding development plan requirements
3. Review recent amendments to confirm current regulations
4. Consider legal consultation for complex zoning interpretations
5. Obtain proper permits before STR operation commencement

Professional Guidance

Given the complexity of zoning interpretation and the lack of explicit STR regulations, investors should consult with local planning officials and consider legal review before proceeding with STR operations in Pineville, Kentucky.

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This guide is based on analysis of the Pineville Zoning Ordinance Final Draft (August 2024). Investors should verify current regulations and seek professional legal advice before establishing short-term rental operations.