Overview

Short-term rentals are allowed in River, Kentucky, which appears to be located within Oldham County. Based on the provided content, short-term rental properties are permitted throughout Oldham County, including areas within and surrounding River, Kentucky, subject to specific licensing, permitting, and tax requirements. The regulatory framework operates primarily at the county level with additional municipal requirements for properties within city limits.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in River, Kentucky

1. Property Location Verification

Before proceeding, determine your property's exact location:

• Inside City Limits of La Grange: Requires City of La Grange Short-Term Rental License
• Outside City Limits (including River area): Requires Oldham County Planning & Zoning Short-Term Rental Permit
• Note: Requirements may differ between Residential vs. Commercial zones

2. Basic Definition Compliance

Ensure your property meets the definition of a Short-Term Rental Property:

• Rented or advertised for rent to guests for stays of less than 30 days
• NOT applicable for rentals of 30 days or longer to the same guest
• NOT considered applicable for Bed & Breakfasts, boarding houses, hotels, or motels

3. Sequential Licensing Process

1. Apply for required license/permit before advertising or hosting guests
2. Submit monthly transient room tax forms to Oldham County Treasurer
3. Complete marketing form with Oldham County Tourism for promotional inclusion

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

For Properties Outside City Limits (River Area):

Required Permits:

• Oldham County Planning & Zoning Short-Term Rental Permit
• Application Process: Submit Short-Term Rental Permit Application to Ryan Fischer at Oldham County Planning & Zoning
• Effective Date: March 2018

Required Documents:

• Planning & Zoning Ordinance compliance verification
• Short-Term Rental Permit Application (completed)
• Property ownership documentation
• Zoning compliance confirmation

For Properties Inside La Grange City Limits:

Required Licenses:

• Residential Areas: La Grange Short-Term Rental License
• Business/Commercial Districts: La Grange Business License
• Application Process: Submit to Stephanie Wenther at City of La Grange
• Effective Date: September 2019

Required Documents:

• Property ownership documentation
• Zoning compliance verification
• City-specific application forms

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Oldham County Regulations (Applies to River Area)

Operational Standards:

• Properties must comply with Planning & Zoning Ordinance regulations
• Monthly tax reporting required regardless of rental activity ($0 reporting if no rentals)
• Marketing cooperation with Oldham County Tourism encouraged but not mandatory

Zoning Compliance:

• Requirements vary by residential vs. commercial zones
• Property owners must verify zoning classification before applying
• Conditional use permits may be required in certain zones

State-Level Kentucky Regulations

Definition Framework:

• Kentucky allows cities and counties to classify short-term rentals as commercial entities
• State defines short-term rentals as establishments providing lodging for the public
• Local governments have broad authority to regulate short-term rentals
• Stay duration qualification as 'short term' is determined locally

Tax Framework:

• Kentucky imposes multiple tax obligations on short-term rental operators:
  • State sales tax
  • Transient room tax
  • Local lodging taxes
  • Income tax
  • Property tax implications

City of La Grange Additional Regulations (if applicable)

Licensing Requirements:

• Separate application required for each short-term rental property
• Different requirements for residential vs. commercial district properties
• Business license required for commercial operations

Contact Information

Oldham County Short-Term Rental Permits

Primary Contact: Ryan Fischer, Oldham County Planning & Zoning

• Phone: (502) 222-1476
• Email: rfischer@oldhamcountyky.gov
• Responsibility: Short-term rental permits for areas outside La Grange city limits

Oldham County Transient Room Tax

Primary Contact: Patrick Meador, Oldham County Treasurer

• Phone: (502) 222-9357
• Email: PMeador@OldhamCountyKy.gov
• Responsibility: Monthly transient room tax collection and reporting

Oldham County Tourism Marketing

Primary Contact: Kim Hydes, Executive Director

• Phone: (502) 222-0056
• Email: Director@TourOldham.com
• Responsibility: Marketing form submission and promotional inclusion

City of La Grange Licensing (if applicable)

Primary Contact: Stephanie Wenther

• Phone: (502) 222-1433
• Email: swenther@lagrangeky.net
• Responsibility: La Grange short-term rental licenses and business licenses

City of La Grange Transient Room Tax

Primary Contact: Donna Sabo, La Grange Tourism

• Phone: (502) 558-3904
• Email: lagrangetourism.@gmail.com
• Responsibility: La Grange city transient room tax collection

Tax Requirements and Compliance

Oldham County Tax Obligations (Applies to River Area)

Required Tax Collection:

• 6% Kentucky Sales Tax
• 1% Kentucky Transient Tax
• 3% Oldham County Transient Room Tax
• Due Date: 15th of every month (for previous month)
• Filing: Required even if rental amount is $0

Additional City Taxes (if in La Grange)

• Additional 3% La Grange Transient Room Tax
• Filed separately with La Grange Tourism

Platform Tax Collection

Important: As of January 2023, Third Party Reservation Companies (Airbnb, VRBO, TripAdvisor, etc.) are required to collect:

• 3% Oldham County Transient Room Tax (county-wide)
• 3% City of La Grange Transient Room Tax (if in city limits)

However, property owners remain responsible for filing their own forms with:

• Oldham County Treasurer (monthly, all properties)
• La Grange Tourism (monthly, city properties only)

Important Resources and Forms

Primary Forms and Documents:

• Planning & Zoning Ordinance (PDF)
• Short-Term Rental PERMIT App (PDF)
• Oldham Co. MONTHLY Transient Tax Form (PDF)
• Oldham Tourism Ordinance (PDF)
• La Grange STRP Permit App - Residential (PDF)
• Oldham Co. Tourism Marketing Form (PDF)

Regulatory Oversight and Compliance

Monitoring and Enforcement

• Oldham County Planning & Zoning oversees permit compliance
• Oldham County Treasurer monitors tax collection and reporting
• City of La Grange enforces additional municipal requirements
• Non-compliance may result in permit revocation, fines, or legal action

Annual Requirements

• Permit renewals: As specified by issuing authority
• Monthly tax reporting: Ongoing requirement regardless of activity
• Property compliance: Ongoing adherence to zoning and safety standards

Investment Considerations for STR Operators

Market Opportunity

Oldham County Tourism actively promotes short-term rental properties and receives numerous inquiries for:

• Farm properties
• Lakefront homes
• River view properties
• Family reunion venues
• Event accommodations
• Large group lodgings

Marketing Support

• Oldham County Tourism provides promotional support for compliant properties
• Properties are featured on tourism website and in promotional materials
• Marketing form submission required for inclusion in promotional efforts

This comprehensive framework provides the foundation for legally operating a short-term rental property in River, Kentucky, within the Oldham County jurisdiction. Compliance with all permit, licensing, and tax requirements is essential for successful long-term operation.