🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Lexington, KY
Lexington Draws the Line: STR Permits Approved, But Rules Hold Firm
Lexington Draws the Line: STR Permits Approved, But Rules Hold Firm
On August 11, 2025, the Lexington Board of Adjustment made it clear: short-term rentals (STRs) can operate in residential neighborhoods—but only if they play by the zoning rulebook.
The meeting kicked off on a smooth note with unanimous approval of a permit for a home on 3853 Plantation Drive, capped at six guests. Another application, for 225 Floral Park, also breezed through after staff confirmed the property met four specific conditions. These approvals suggest that when the boxes are checked, Lexington is open to allowing STRs in residential zones.
But the mood shifted when House and Home LLC applied for a permit at 605 Lane Allen Road. Staff recommended denial because the house sits within 600 feet of two other existing STRs—a direct violation of Lexington’s zoning ordinance.
That’s where the debate got heated. Applicant Annie Williams argued passionately, pointing out that she’s run the property for years without a single complaint. She also had neighbor support on her side and questioned whether the 600-foot buffer rule makes sense for arterial roads like Lane Allen, where residential density is different.
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Board members listened carefully and even acknowledged her strong case. But in the end, sympathy gave way to the letter of the law. “We have to follow the ordinance,” one member emphasized, before the motion for denial was passed.
The message? Lexington is willing to greenlight STRs when owners meet the criteria—but it won’t bend its rules, even for long-standing, well-run rentals.
For hosts, that means knowing the 600-foot buffer zone requirement is non-negotiable. For neighbors, it’s a reminder that the city prioritizes orderly growth over exceptions. And for the city itself, the decision underscores a balancing act: supporting property rights while maintaining neighborhood stability.
As STRs grow in popularity, expect these kinds of debates to pop up more often. But for now, Lexington’s stance is clear: the ordinance rules the day.
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