Updates on Lexington’s short-term rental regulation enforcement

On Tuesday, the General Government and Planning (GGP) Committee will hear an update on short-term rental regulation enforcement from Director of Revenue Wes Holbrook.

Short-term rental regulations were passed on July 11, 2023, and amended on December 5, 2024. These regulations set occupancy limits, density limits keeping a high number of STRs from clustering together, and requiring rentals to have an active license with the City. You can read more about the regulations here.

There are currently 979 short-term rentals listed in Lexington. 14 citations have been issued for the absence of a license, and there are an additional 78 properties that have received a first notice to come into compliance with the ordinance.

The city has received $4,750 from citations, with $7,000 in citation fines that that have not been paid.

Short-term rentals are required to annually renew their licenses by January 31 of every year. Due to the winter storms last month, renewal packets sent before the deadline were still being received by the Division of Revenue in February. The City has received $115,000 in renewal fees so far.

You can view the full presentation slides starting on page 127 of this packet.

The General Government and Planning (GGP) Committee will meet on Tuesday, March 4th at 1pm in Council Chambers. You can attend in-person or watch live on LexTV.