The Lexington City Council is moving forward with a number of rules regarding short-term rentals in rural parts of Fayette County. Committee action including two amendments was reported during the Council work session Tuesday.
The regulations for short-term rentals out in the county do vary from the regs inside the Urban Service Boundary. 12th District Council Member Kathy Plomin won committee approval for a couple of changes. Plomin said one allows un-hosted STRs on parcels ten acres or less.
“It’s not very conducive to somebody wanting to rent something out there in the AR and you have the owner or host with you. And it wouldn’t be running for all practical purposes. So, and then they would probably be put out of business,” said Plomin.
Plomin said building a new structure for a host is not permitted. The second approved amendment would allow for short-term rentals on properties of ten acres or less that are within 500 feet of each other, instead of the original mile limit.
“There’s one down on Berea road. They’re not large parcels. Also down at the River there are houses, short-term rentals that are closer to each other. And we were looking at that proximity. And mile is pretty far,” said Plomin.
The regulations for rural STRs include obtaining a conditional use permit, maximum occupancy is two individuals per bedroom, on-site parking, special events like weddings and reunions must be limited to the number of persons staying at the short-term rental.
Plomin said there are between 20 to 30 properties that could be affected. The full zoning text amendment must still be voted on by the full Council and the Planning Commission.
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