Lexington Council Committee Reviews Regulations for Rural Short-Term Rentals

The Lexington City Council has launched a review of regulations surrounding short-term rentals in rural areas of Fayette County. This topic has sparked intense discussion in City Hall as committee members probe into varying perspectives from local residents and relevant stakeholders.

Varying Opinions Disclosure

In the course of question and answer sessions, the Chair of the Bluegrass Land Conservancy Board, Margaret Graves, disclosed that there are differing viewpoints regarding the expansion of short-term rentals in rural zones. “There were people within the rural service area who are adamantly opposed to any of these existing in the rural service area. There were people in the rural service area who very much wanted them. And we, as a committee, tried to find the middle ground with recommendations,” explained Graves.

Key Recommendations

The Council Committee is considering recommendations that include permitting only hosted short-term rentals (STRs) in rural areas going forward, and not allowing new construction for short-term rental purposes. After a detailed eight-month analysis by the Rural Land Management Board, ten recommendations were presented to the Council Committee for review.

Another noteworthy recommendation limits special events at new sites to the number of guests accommodated at the short-term rental property. Tracy Jones from the Law Department responded to inquiries about the feasibility of a wedding venue.

“If you have, whatever is permitted in this…if you say it’s eight in a S- T-R and those eight people are there for the weekend and they’re celebrating something…I mean that’s gonna be okay…what you can’t have is those eight people are there for the weekend and 75 more come,” clarified Jones.

Concerns of Council Members

However, not all Council Members are receptive to these proposed regulations. Council Member Chuck Ellinger voiced concern that the proposed regulations, particularly requiring hosted STRs, may not be applied fairly to all STR participants. Meanwhile, Council Member Whitney Baxter expressed concerns about enforcing several restrictions.

Awaiting Final Decision

Although the discussions are in progress, a final decision is expected to be several months away. The recommendations and the varying opinions of council members reflect the complexity of the issues at hand. As the Council Committee navigates through these discussions, they will need to find a balance that respects the views of all stakeholders, protects rural landscapes, and supports the flourishing short-term rental market.